7 ways to boost your body confidence

Image: Imani Covis

Everyone struggles with body confidence at some point in their life and you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who is 100% happy with the way they look.

Despite confidence issues simply being a part of life, there's lots of little things you can do to improve your mood, and feel happier and more confident on a daily basis.

Here's 7 ways you can start today...

 Exercise

It's common knowledge that exercise is the key to shaping up and losing weight, but it also releases feel-good endorphins which lift your confidence and boost your mood. If you're having a bad day try hitting the gym for a workout, dancing to your favourite tunes or taking a stroll to get some fresh air. You're guaranteed to feel better in an instant.

Positive thinking

Sometimes it's hard not to notice things you don't like and feel badly about yourself, but next time you look in the mirror try focusing on three things you love. When you feel yourself thinking negative thoughts, replace them with positive ones and remind yourself of your strengths and all the things you're good at.

Be nice

As well as making people around you happy, being nice makes you happy too. Make someones day by smiling or giving them a compliment. Not only will you be spreading the love and making them feel good, you may also get a compliment in return so it's a win-win situation.

Sexy underwear

Who cares if you're the only one who's going to see it? Knowing that you're wearing super-sexy underwear under your normal clothes will make you feel confident, put-together and powerful. Think of it as your version of a superman suit. Bonus points if it's a matching pair.

Scent

Scent has the power to transform your mood instantly. Instead of saving your favourite scent for special occasions, wear it every day. Alternatively treat yourself to a new one that you associate with good feelings and positive thoughts. When you need a confidence boost give it a spritz and revel in the happiness and great feeling. 

Smile

It has been scientifically proven that smiling tricks your brain into thinking you are happy - even when you're not. On days when you're feeling down, keep a big grin on your face and pretend you've just won the lottery. You'll soon notice a change in your mood as well as in others around you - smiling really is infectious.

Posture

Similarly to smiling, the way you hold your body conducts a message to your brain about how you're feeling. In situations where you need a confidence boost, sit, stand or walk tall, and not only will you feel more confident in yourself, you will portray that message to others and confidence will ooze out of you.

Shop the post

Leggings | Pink Soda

Water Bottle | Nike

Sports Bra | H&M

Juvenate Trainers | Nike

Lace Body | ASOS

Lace Bra | H&M

Lace Bottoms | H&M
Black Lingerie Set | Bluebella

Blue Embroidered Set | ASOS

Flowerbomb | Viktor & Rolf

White Musk Smoky Rose | The Body Shop
Modern Muse | Estée Lauder
Black Orchid | Tom Ford

Decadence | Marc Jacobs

5 easy ways to treat yourself well everyday

Living a healthy lifestyle is not simply down to eating healthy and exercising, or restricting yourself during the week just so you can indulge at the weekend - it’s about balance and maintaining a healthy mind and body all the time - which believe it or not, includes treats!

Creating a healthy routine is easier than you think and by adding a few small changes each day you can maximise your health and wellbeing and feel the best possible version of you.

Here's five easy ways to treat yourself well everyday...

Lemon water

Start each day with a glass of warm water and a squeeze of lemon juice to clear skin, kick-start your metabolism, eliminate toxins and aid your digestive system. This simple and affordable trick offers numerous health benefits and will hydrate you while also providing a hit of vitamin C. For extra health benefits try adding ginger, turmeric or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Dry body-brush

Use a dry body brush before showering to encourage circulation and lymphatic drainage, reduce cellulite and exfoliate skin. Start from your feet and brush in upwards circles towards the heart, paying extra attention to your stomach, butt and thighs. This therapeutic routine needn't take longer than 5 minutes and will help to reduce stress as well as leave skin soft and smooth.

Breathe

Sounds simple enough right? Wrong. Most of us use only a fraction of our lungs when breathing throughout the day which can result in tiredness, fatigue, lack of energy, increased stress, anxiety and false hunger. Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing and practice this exercise several times a day - particularly when you feel anxious or stressed: take a deep breath for 7 seconds, hold for 7, breathe out for 10. Repeat 5 times.

Oil pull

This one may sound strange - but stay with me on this - swilling oil around your mouth for 10-20 minute first thing in the morning is an ancient ritual believed by many cultures to clear skin, whiten teeth, freshen breath and rid the body of toxins. Try swishing 1-2 tablespoons of coconut, olive or sesame oil around your mouth before spitting out in the bin (the residue is toxic) and then brush teeth as normal.

Sleep

Sleep is the cornerstone of good health - it controls your diet, your mood, your productivity and pretty much your whole day. Ideally you should aim to sleep for 8-9 hours each night and form a regular routine of going to bed and waking up. While the occasional weekend lie-in or afternoon nap can help you recharge after a hard week at work, make sure it doesn't become a habit as this may affect your natural pattern and result in a loss of sleep.

Hola August

Well hello there August

Am I the only one who feels like we haven't actually had a proper summer yet?

The few days of sun - aka the mini 'heatwave' - were nice, but is that all? really?

I'm now back home in Northampton until September, and am loving being back in my old bedroom with my nice biiig bed, and of course being around my friends, family and favourite staffy puppy again :-)

I've just started my summer bar job which is pretty cool, even if I'd rather be chilling at home watching tv - that online shopping addiction ain't gonna fund itself :-(

Anyway here's a 'lil summary of July... 

Have a great month!

Holly xx

Positive vibes

Eggs and avo = best lunch EVER

Daily essential

I'll take them alll

Pretty flowers

I'm homeeee :-D

Lunchin' in the sun

Summer reading

SO much love

Oreo cookie fudge cake? Hmm YES

#Buddha

Pinks

Stay grounded

My home made kale pesto is goooood

For more pics follow me on Instagram @misshollyamber

Hello June

Guess who's back...

After living like a hermit for the past few weeks while completing a huge heap of uni assessments, I can confirm I am finally free! 
:-D

I honestly don't know where the last 8 months have gone. 
It seems like just yesterday I was experiencing my first taste of student life, and now I'm about to go into my third year! Madness.

But before then I have summer to look forward to - and despite the fact a lot of it will be spent working - I'm determined to make the most of it before the scary prospect of returning for my final year. Eek.

June is set to be an exciting month... with my birthday right at the start, followed by a trip home, and then back again for a work placement... It's gonna be a busy one! :-)

But for now, here's a lil' snapshot of the last month... 


Holly xx

A flashback to wish my best friend a happy birthday! 

So true

 Starting the day the right way

 Flower making at the castle

 Wishing my baby Ralph a happy first birthday

FAVOURITE shower gel

Pretty pink lips for summer

Dining Italian style with seafood risotto 

For more pics follow me on Instagram @misshollyamber

Hello May

And just like that we're into the fifth month of the year!

Although judging by the weather you'd be forgiven for thinking we are still in the midst of Winter. Warm coat, check. Heating on, check.

Despite the month zooming by it's been a busy one.

With Nottingham Fashion Week, a few nights out and one or two spontaneous purchases, my bank balance is looking a little sorry. Oops.

Uni is now back in full swing post-Easter and with it have come a ton of deadlines that need to be hit before the start of June.

It's safe to say I'm going to become a hermit for the next few weeks or so until everything I need to do is done :-(

Don't miss me too much guys, I'll be back with you soon!

Have a great month.

Holly xx


Here's a few pics from the last month...

Wise words

Pretty flowers

Don't mind if I do...

May issues

Hot chocolate & marshmallows... Mmm

Bubble bath mani

#ELLEinspire

Sweet potato & kale curry

Workout time

Monday mood zZz

Throwback with the girls

Check out these pretty spring pieces here 

Lunchtime

A few favourites

Who said fashion people don't eat?

Nottingham Fashion Week 2016

Post coming SOON!!

Amazing colours on the @ Style Show Live

For more pics follow me on Instagram @misshollyamber

Beautiful breakfasts

Breakfast has always been my favourite meal of the day, I've never understood people who can go without eating in the morning - I need food to function!

I always allow time to sit down and enjoy a good breakfast, even if it means getting up extra early. That quiet, blissful moment when nobody else is up yet allows me to wake up properly and prepare for the day ahead.

I've never been much of a savoury breakfast person and always opt for fruit, granola or pastries over eggs and cooked breakfasts, although this can sometimes lead to unnecessary amounts of sugar - the last thing you want to be fueling your body with in the morning.

Here's a few of my favourite healthy breakfast recipes that are both delicious and nutritious, and are a great way to begin your day.

Holly xx

Berrylicious porridge (serves 1)

A deliciously fruity take on standard porridge, this warming bowl of goodness will keep you full until lunch and satisfy your sweet tooth without adding any sugar.

Ingredients

50g rolled oats

250ml almond/coconut/oat/rice milk

1 handful raspberries

1 handful chopped strawberries

1 handful blueberries

Flaked almonds (optional)

Cinnamon (optional)

Method
-Place the oats and milk in a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for 4-5 minutes while stirring.

-Add the berries and simmer for a further minute.
-Mix in the almonds, a sprinkle of cinnamon and serve.

Superfood smoothie (serves 1)

You would never guess it contains half of your daily serving of greens, but this tasty antioxidant packed smoothie will fill you up, give you lots of energy and make your skin glow.

Ingredients

1 chopped banana

1 handful blueberries

1 handful spinach

1 handful kale

1 stalk chopped celery

10cm sliced cucumber

1-2 tbsp cashew/almond butter

250 ml almond/coconut/oat/rice milk

1-2 tbsp chia seeds

1-2 tbsp lemon juice

Method

-Combine ingredients in a blender.

-Mix in the chia seeds and serve.

Almond and coconut granola (serves 10)

The perfect weekend breakfast, this refined-sugar, wheat and gluten free granola is best enjoyed with fresh blueberries, a dollop of coconut yoghurt and the Sunday paper.

Ingredients

500g rolled oats

10g flaked almonds
1 handful raisins/sultanas

5 tbsp dessicated coconut

2 tbsp maple syrup/raw honey

2 tbsp melted coconut oil

100 ml almond milk

2-3 tbsp cinnamon 

Method
-Preheat oven to 180C.

-Place all ingredients except the dessicated coconut in a mixing bowl and combine well.

-Spread evenly on a greased baking tray and place in the oven for 10 minutes.

-Carefully turn over the mixture then bake for a further 15 minutes until the oats are golden and crunchy.

-If you prefer a more 'baked' taste leave for a little longer - just make sure it doesn't burn.

-Remove from oven and leave to cool.

-Once cool, transfer mixture into a bowl and add the dessicated coconut and a little more cinnamon to taste.

Berry yoghurt bowl

A quick,easy and satisfying breakfast loaded with berry goodness and the options of hundreds of different toppings.

Ingredients

1 handful raspberries

1 handful strawberries

1 handful blueberries

1/2 chopped banana (optional)

1-2 handfuls granola/rolled oats

150g coconut/soya yoghurt

Method

-Place the yoghurt and berries/banana in a bowl.
-Sprinkle with oats/granola and top with an optional dash of honey, maple syrup or cinnamon.