---

There is no denying that the relationship we have with ourselves can often be the most important one in our lives.

It may sound extreme, but we all have that internal dialogue, and most of the time, we listen to it intently. The question to ask yourself is this. Is your inner voice a positive influence on you? The chances are you will be your most prominent critic. You will look in the mirror and point out every flaw. You will tell yourself you can’t do something, are not good enough, or even force yourself to stop doing the things you love. Sound familiar? The great thing is you are not alone. As sad as that fact is. But it is possible to feel happier in your skin and improve how you feel. Here are some of the positive ways you can do that.

Affirmations

One thing to think about would be the internal dialogue in your head and switching that from negative to something more positive. A great way to do this would be to use affirmations, some of which are almost compliments to yourself. These can be specific to you, how you are feeling and what you want to achieve. Some common ones include “I am taking positive steps for a positive future,” “I choose happiness,” “I am where I am meant to be right now,” “I look and feel amazing,” and so on. If you look online, you will find plenty, but try and make them specific to how you feel, or perhaps, how you want to feel and think.

Exercise

We all know exercise is good for us, so why not try and make it more of a priority in your life? It doesn’t mean you have to go to a gym unless you want to, of course; working out at home can be equally as beneficial. It can often mean just choosing to be more active each day. That might be walking, taking the stairs, or aiming to walk ten thousand steps a day. The more active you are, the better you will feel. Fact!

Nourishing your body

If you don’t have a great relationship with how you look, you may think diets are the answer, but this is where you are wrong. Diets are not sustainable and can mean you end up right where you started. Instead, focus on nourishing your body with the fuel it needs to function, drinking plenty of water, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and having a balanced diet. You will notice your energy levels increasing and your skin start to glow.

Gratitude

Showing gratitude each day is a great way to help change your mindset and be more positive. It can be as simple as making a note of the things you are thankful for at the end of the day and mentally thanking the universe for when things go your way. The traffic lights stay green, such as finding a parking space and getting somewhere on time and being grateful for the things you have in your life opens you up to feel happier and more content with where you are in life.

Meditation

Finally, taking some time to meditate is a great way to balance your thoughts and energy. It gives you space to breathe, slow down, and opens you up to feeling less overwhelmed and worried. Meditation is also great for anxiety, feeling down, and rising stress levels if you are struggling with these things right now.

Hopefully, these strategies will help you to feel happier in your own skin.

---