The study by researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business found those who believe in their own attractiveness view themselves as having higher social status. “The finding that your assessment of yourself shapes your view of yourself and others puts power into your hands,” the authors note.

Consider how these science-based suggestions may help you put your best foot forward when dealing with everything life throws your way.

• Get moving. Regardless of your fitness goals, the fact is you’re likely to feel better physically, emotionally and mentally after you exercise. Research also shows it can improve your self-esteem.
• Ramp up your smile. Scientists say our brains are zapped with an instant mood boost when we smile, and that boost is reinforced when others smile back. Further, whiter teeth can have a direct effect on our social and professional interactions, and they’re now easy to achieve through consumer brands like Rembrandt’s 1 Week Whitening Kit that can achieve professional-level results at home within a week.
• Let your body language communicate self-respect. Keeping your shoulders pulled back and your body straight and tall communicates confidence to your brain, studies show. Research found the most empowering stance is one in which your arms are held slightly away from your torso, your body is open and your head is up.
• Optimize color in your clothing. The right shade may light up your entire face and have a surprising impact on your mood. “Choosing the color of your office, your clothes or your desktop should not be taken lightly — colors do affect our moods and productivity,” states a recent article on Scienceofpeople.com. “When given the choice, picking a color that will work with you and not against you can only help.”
• Wear scent strategically. Because our brains link certain smells to positive experiences, research suggests we may be able to ramp up our confidence with scents that remind us of happy times. That’s why aromatherapy can help alleviate anxiety, depression and sleeplessness, and improve quality of life for those with chronic health issues, confirms the Mayo Clinic.
• Bottom line: When you’re taking care of yourself and projecting your best self, you’re far more likely to project the confidence you need to deal effectively with life.

“Confidence can make or break a lot of things,” advises Lecia Bushak on Medicaldaily.com. “In our extrovert-centric society, confidence can get you a job, a girlfriend, and the courage to say no to people or situations that are toxic to you. Confidence is knowing yourself and taking care of yourself, too.”

*BPT

The post Science-based suggestions for self-confidence appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

It’s not always easy to look in the mirror and smile back at your reflection, especially when 10, 20 or even 30 pounds have (re)introduced themselves to your hips, thighs, breasts and butt. And thanks to celebrities and models on social media, television and fashion magazines, feeling inadequate can be a daily struggle for even the most in-shape women. Finding reasons to love your body is a real and constant struggle for millions of women worldwide, and it’s not always a topic that’s easy to talk about. Don’t let outward appearance rob you of all the good inside of you, ladies. There’s more to life than perky boobs, a round butt and flat stomach with a six-pack of abs.

Because we know what you’re going through, here’s a few helpful tips to keep your mind focused on the positives, regardless of what’s got you down in the dumps. Stay open-minded and open to change, and these are sure to help in your journey to emotional (and even physical) bliss.

1.  Life is Short – Don’t Waste Time Hating Your Body

“You only live once” (or YOLO, as the kids say these days) – it’s not a bad phrase to live by. Imagine all the time you’ve already wasted worrying about your physical appearance instead of going out and enjoying your life! Try not to let your current appearance dictate your happiness.

2.  Limit Your Social Media Presence

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat. Depending on who you follow, it’s like watching a highlights reel of other women’s lives, without all that drama (screaming kids, adult acne, unshaved legs, etc.) that “normal people” have to endure. Newsflash, ladies – it’s fake. No one’s life is perfect, and certainly not as glamorous as others make it out to be. Inundating your brain with images of women with unrealistic body types and lifestyles isn’t going to help you love yourself, so perhaps it’s time to walk away from all the social media apps for a while. You don’t need “friends” or “followers” that make you think less of yourself, right?

3.  Count Your Body’s Blessings, Not Blemishes

Your body is an amazing work of art, a precious vessel and a limitless instrument. Respect your body for what it is – imperfect, beautiful, unique and all your own. While it may never be what you want or expect it to be on the outside, remember to count your blessings for all the working parts on the inside. We’ve found that starting your day with a quick “thank you” to your body for all it does can help jumpstart a lasting positive attitude.

4.  Dress for Success

Squeezing into a size seven when you’re really a nine isn’t going to help you feel better about your current body size. This can only cause fat-shaming and self-punishment. Instead, dress for the body you have, wear clothes that are comfortable to you and your body, and ditch old clothes that no longer fit. Keeping those skeletons in the closet will only be a constant reminder of your “better self,” and that negativity isn’t going to help at all. Focus less on the size and more on the satisfaction you get from a form-fitting pair of jeans or bra.

5.  Step Off the Scale

Starting every morning by stepping on the scale can be an instant mood crusher. Don’t let the scale steal your happiness! Instead, find joy and gratitude in the sheer fact that another day has been given to you. Don’t squander it with self-loathing. This will give new meaning to the motto “rise and shine.” Allow every day to be a new beginning towards your physical and emotional goals.

6.  Take Time to Listen to Your Body

Your body is your friend. I repeat – your body is your friend. Don’t be the enemy in this situation. Take the time to listen to your body’s needs and provide it with everything it needs to be happy and healthy, both inside and out. When you find yourself standing in the mirror objectifying yourself, close your eyes, find your heartbeat and listen closely. “If people are able to stand inside their bodies and feel their body, they have a good sense of what’s happening inside themselves, and they’re less likely to objectify themselves,” says Vivien Ainley, a doctoral candidate in neuroscience at Royal Holloway, University of London. Ainley co-authored a study that found people who hear their hearts are less likely to view themselves as objects. It might sound simplistic, but sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make the most sense.

The post Learning How to Love Your Body appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Dove research finds that one in three women hardly ever smile at themselves because they don’t like what they see in the mirror.

Building a positive relationship with beauty helps women to feel more confident, and every encounter with the mirror can be a positive affirmation for a woman of her beauty. Research has shown that girls replicate their mother’s behaviors about beauty, confidence, and self-esteem; so this Mother’s Day, Dove encourages all women to smile when they look in the mirror. 

Jess Weiner, the Dove Global Self-Esteem Ambassador, offers five reasons to keep beaming this Mother’s Day:

Sets a positive example

It’s important that mothers recognize the beauty in themselves in order to set positive examples for their daughters. All women can recapture the elation they felt when they looked at their reflection as a young girl and pass that feeling on to the next generation.

Improves levels of happiness

Studies show that smiling is effortless and immediate. It has been proven that smiling can actually make you happier. In the UK, a British study found that one smile can even provide the same level of stimulation as up to 2,000 chocolate bars.

Improves health

Smiling can also provide therapeutic effects. An Empirical Reflection on the Smile documented positive effects such as reduced stress hormone levels, increased health and mood enhancing hormone levels, and lowered blood pressure.

It’s contagious

A Swedish study included in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior proved that humans are wired to smile back. It is an unconscious, automatic response. So, when you wear a smile, you can help to lift the moods of the people around you.

Today is your day

Mother’s Day is a great day to be celebrated by those who love you, but it is also important for you to celebrate yourself. Whether it’s your first or your 50th, smile and enjoy having a much-deserved day that is all about you.

*BPT

The post 5 reasons to smile this Mother’s Day appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Many moms think that once they have had a child that their goddess power, sex appeal and beauty go out the door. They feel that their husband or other men don’t want to check them out. At times they feel frumpy. Well, moms can be fabulous, not frumpy. Instead, it is important to know and embrace your radiance from the power of giving birth, caring for a child and being a powerful positive parent. We can take this energy and inner beauty and power and turn it into sex appeal when needed. Take that flush in your cheeks from running around and realize that it looks like a healthy glow. Those curves from having been pregnant look very glamorous with the right clothing. The multitasking you need to do as a mother is also helpful in your career, making you look efficient and empowered. It helps if you plan dates on your calendar where you will dress up, put on make up, do your hair and let out that inner beauty and sex appeal. You will be a happier mom, and feel great about you.

Here are a few tips to help bring out your “sexy”.

1. Have an enthusiasm and excitement toward life that is contagious.

2. Love yourself and love people. Have the belief that you are worth knowing.

3. Accept your body, your life and you. Embrace your gifts. You can always improve, but love yourself now.

4. Keep a positive attitude.

5. Remember that laughter is so attractive.

6. Practice being and feeling sexy. Watch others and then see what works for you.

7. NOW; get to work!

The post YES, YOU CAN STILL BE SEXY AND A MOM appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.