The more you practice something, whether that be loving yourself, having something to eat for each meal, looking in the mirror more often, or even developing new interests or hobbies during this long quarantine, the easier it will be for you to be great at it. With so much time on our hands, you might find yourself finding flaws in the mirror you never noticed before or struggled with your mental health from staying inside all day. Feeling these ways is completely normal and just remind you that maintaining your mental health and body image is just as important as anything else in your life. 

If no one has told you, your mental and body image issues are valid no matter the situation. Whether you are officially or self diagnosed, you are still valid and deserve to take care of yourself. You do not have to find every single part of your body and mind amazing every single day, but you should learn how to respect and love your body regardless of how you feel about it on certain days. Your body deserves nourishment and your mind deserves attention. Both your mind and body are both a part of you, and that’s enough for both of them to be treated correctly. 

Whether you have marks or blemishes on your body, acne on your face, scars, stretch marks, freckles, or weight in areas you don’t like, it does not make you ugly. You may find yourself losing all motivation in your schoolwork, having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, or dealing with anxiety, but these feelings do not make you damaged or abnormal. If anything, these things make you more human and deserve to feel amazing in your skin. You may not love certain parts of yourself, but you’d be surprised how many people love and appreciate everything about your existence. Your closest friends and family could find your freckles or stretch marks the most beautiful part of your body, a random stranger on the street could love your smile even if you hate it, it just shows that there is always something appreciated by others that just might not be said out loud. 

Your existence on this earth is much more than fixing your appearance, you are here to live with others, laugh with your friends and family, and create memories without the pressures of falling under certain physical standards. It is time to start thanking your body for all that it does for you and allow yourself to start enjoying the important things in life. Those arms that you might think are too big are the ones that hug the ones you love. Your legs which might have stretch marks or cellulite carry you to any beautiful location you desire. You must keep your mind strong and healthy in order to remember and cherish all the amazing beauties this world has to offer you. 

Your body and mind will always be there to support you as long as you take care of it. Don’t underestimate the love it gives you as long as it is reciprocated back. Treat your physical and mental health like it is your friend, not some type of enemy that wants the worst for you. It may take time to fully love and find the beauty in all of your features, but it isn’t impossible. It all begins with one small step towards self love that could ultimately lead to the self-esteem and confidence you deserve. I know it is easy to forget to take care of yourself during quarantine, but please remember that you are important and worthy of self love.