One of our favorite ways to prepare for a boudoir photoshoot is practicing affirmations. Affirmations can be a powerful way to build your self confidence and love through repeating and meditating on positive words. We’ve found that even just taking a minute out of our days to repeat these phrases to ourselves can have a positive impact on our self talk and mood throughout the day.
Here are some of our favorite affirmations that deal with body positivity and neutrality:
- I am confident, strong, and good.
- My body is worthy of the love I desire.
- I am grateful to my body for all it has done for me
- I am enough, just as I am right now.
- I know my worth, and remind others of theirs.
- I can let go of my insecurities.
- I don’t need external validation to know my worth
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How do we use them, though? There is no way to affirm yourself, but here are some tips to set yourself up for success with them.
First off, try to make a routine. Some people like to add two to three minutes of affirmations into the morning and evening routines. As someone who personally struggles with routine, I’ve found it helpful to set reminders on my phone to pop up an affirmation two or three times throughout the day. When they pop up on my phone, I take a moment to repeat the affirmation or set of affirmations. Everytime you catch yourself thinking negatively about yourself, counter the negative thoughts with affirmations. I like to face my reflection in a mirror when I say affirmations, though some prefer to have their eyes closed – either way works!
Second, repetition is key. Try to repeat each affirmation 10 times. The repetition will help seal it into your mind. Every habit takes practice – positive self talk especially! In a society that profits off of our insecurities, we’re taught to think negatively about ourselves through unrealistic beauty standards and wellness-disguised guilt. Repeating affirmations over and over can help counter the effects of such things and bring us closer to ourselves.
Finally, practice deep breathing when you repeat your affirmations. Breathing in long, deep breaths can signal safety to your body, allowing it to take your positive words to heart. Say the affirmation, breathe in, sigh out with sound, and repeat.
Preparing for a boudoir photoshoot can be really stressful, especially if you struggle with negative self talk surrounding your body and appearance. Remember that your photographer is trained to only see the best sides of people – she’s not going to judge you or pick apart your appearance – just see you for your beauty and help show it to you as well. Repeat after me: I am confident, strong, and good. And breathe.
