AMY’S SELF-ESTEEM BOOSTERS

WALK

Being out in nature makes me feel connected to something beyond the borders of myself. So if I’m feeling self-doubt, I seek out trees. I love walking, I’ll walk anywhere, in any weather – but Hampstead Heath in North London is my go-to spot. It’s got magic energy.

READ

Classic titles challenging diet culture and exploring body image, such as Susie Orbach’s Fat Is A Feminist Issue,

make you reconsider the status quo. Rousing memoirs like

Becoming by Michelle Obama will make you want to invest in your self-worth and strive for something greater.

RUN

When I need a reminder of what my body can do, I go for a run. Running with others is even better. Not only do you feel the support of those around you, but organised events, like Parkrun, are a great reminder that bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and fitness looks different for everyone.

LISTEN

For some real talk and intelligent debate, I listen to the Appearance

Matters podcast. But I also love podcasts that take me out of my own world. This American Life

can always be trusted for thoughtprovoking tales of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

VOLUNTEER

Sometimes, you need all your time and energy, but when you’re in a position to do it, volunteering is a great way to counter loneliness, get perspective on life and experience first-hand the benefits of extending kindness to others. Visit do-it. org for opportunities in your area.

BE KIND

If I’m having a bad body-image day,

I try to practise self-compassion.

It’s about treating yourself with kindness and accepting that having imperfections is part of being human. Researcher and author Dr

Kristin Neff has a range of resources and exercises at self-compassion.org.