How To Love Your Body

Nicole Newton | 20th November 2017

Self love advocate, SelfLoveLiv

It’s been over a month since National Body Confidence day; a day of self love and appreciation, but how many people still feel unloved in their own skin?

Olivia Callaghan, 24, from Birmingham, started her self love journey back in November of 2016 after suffering from a breakdown. “I was tired of hating myself and I discovered accounts that dedicated their time to promoting self love, I wanted to be just like them!” Olivia created a self love and body positive Instagram account to appreciate herself and to spread the love to others going through a time of self-loathing. “I wanted to spread love and kindness and positivity.

“Before I was bulimic, self-harming and had no self-esteem.

“I truly hated myself!”

Olivia’s page has since been over-whelmed with supportive fans and people sharing how much they have been changed by her blog.

Olivia’s day-to-day life has taken a drastic change, “I was on the scales constantly, I was self-conscious every minute of the day.

“Life is so good now! I’m happier, stronger, wiser. I feel like a completely different person.”

Olivia hadn’t worn a bikini for over 8 years

When Olivia decided to change how she viewed herself she had to make some very important changes to her lifestyle, including the people surrounding her.

“I got rid of any account that triggered me or made me feel bad about myself, I cut out anyone in my life that I found toxic and didn’t have my best interest at heart.” Olivia would decorate her mirrors with notes filled with positive affirmations and self love quotes to remind herself of her worth.

Olivia still insists that self love is still a struggle, saying “working on myself is a daily thing.

“You’re going to have days where you wake up and just feel awful and that’s okay”

Olivia goes on “It happens, we just have to remember that within the darkness there is always light.”

Olivia surrounds herself with positive people to keep herself motivated, stating “my mum has been the most supportive, amazing woman ever.

“She always puts others first and will help me to buy antabuse online so much when I’m having a bad day.”

Olivia is also a mental health advocate

Olivia suggests following body-positive accounts on social media that dedicate their time to self love and positive vibes, and that every person is amazing unique in their own way. “There is no such thing as a flaw.”

A recent survey showed some shocking results to how the public feel about their own bodies, with a massive 54 per cent of people stating that they believe their bodies to be a main contributor to their self-worth. Olivia commented, “It’s so sad.

“It’s heart breaking to know that so many people feel awful about themselves.”

Speaking about the media, especially magazines and TV, Olivia claims “society puts so much pressure on women, with reminders everywhere on how we should be, it’s awful!

“Don’t let society pressure you into hating yourself”

If you feel like you have been affected by your body image or are struggling with a mental illness in relation to your body image, try visiting some online forums and blogs such as www.mybodypositive.co.uk or contact one of the mental health teams listed on this link: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/helplines.htm