Staying Confident on Bad Days

Ilona Maher Shares How She Stays Confident on Bad Days

Ilona Maher, the Team USA rugby star, is known for her positivity and body confidence. From winning bronze at the Paris Olympics to being a fan-favorite on Dancing with the Stars, Maher finds time to create engaging content for her millions of social media followers.

One of the topics Maher consistently shares is body positive messaging, where she shares advice learned from her own experiences of comparing her body to others. In a recent Instagram post, Maher got vulnerable about a moment of insecurity that she wanted her fans to know about.

"Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that I’m not feeling too body confident right now," she says in the video. "But that’s okay, that’s okay, and I know you all are going to hype me up, I know you’re going to hype me up, but just remember the mind is playing tricks, it’s telling you different things."

1. Remember Your Body’s Purpose and Strength

Before sharing her tips, the athlete notes that "it’s hard to love your body all the time and to think it’s just so amazing." Even herself, she has problems with that. But through this, here’s how she combats her negative thoughts and treats her body with grace.

"So when I get in these moods, what do I do? I try to remember what my body does for me [and] how strong it is," she shares.

Remembering your body’s purpose is important, so respecting it and promoting healthy habits without feeling a need to punish yourself can help revert your mindset. Some ways that Maher reminds herself of her strength is to go on a walk, run, lift weights or dance, all of which are great forms of exercise. As for walking, taking a stroll around your neighborhood has plenty of benefits, from increasing longevity to reducing stress.

2. Your Body Will Change, and That’s OK

There are so many reasons why you might be gaining weight, losing weight, losing muscle or just feeling "off." Maher notes how these fluctuations are entirely normal, and she’s experiencing them right now.

"Just remember that our bodies are constantly changing and will constantly change for the rest of our lives," Maher says. "Doesn’t matter, whether we’re in a different part of our cycle, whether we’re eating more, eating less, working out more, I’m not working out as much as I usually do so that’s why my body’s changing a little bit."

Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and promoting a healthy eating pattern and incorporating exercise in your schedule is extremely important no matter your weight. But if something feels wrong, talk to your doctor with concerns about your body’s changes.

3. Give Yourself Some Grace

It’s okay if not every day is packed with nutrient-rich meals, exercise, and a quality sleep. Sure, these are important parts of a regular routine, but we all have days where we want to just lay in bed and eat the salty snacks we love—and that’s totally fine on occasion. As Maher puts it: "give yourself some grace."

"I think it is hard for me," Maher shares. "My whole workout schedule has been off." If you’re also experiencing an unexpected change in your daily habits, that may factor into your negative mindset. Adjusting your routine to find time for what you feel is missing—changing your walk from daytime to after dinner, shifting when to take your lunch break, waking up earlier—can help with this.

Maher ends the video with a final gentle reminder: "Take a breath, remind yourself you’re beautiful, it’s okay if you’re going through these. It’s going to be ups and downs for the rest of your life." Say these affirmations to yourself, and just know you’re not alone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ilona Maher’s journey to body confidence is an inspiring one. By focusing on her body’s purpose and strength, accepting the natural changes that come with life, and giving herself (and others) grace, Maher is able to maintain a positive mindset and live a healthy lifestyle.

FAQs

Q: How do I remind myself of my body’s purpose and strength?
A: Take a walk, go for a run, lift weights, or dance. Remember what your body can do for you and how strong it is.

Q: Why is it okay to experience changes in my body?
A: Bodies change naturally throughout life due to various factors such as diet, exercise, and hormones. It’s essential to focus on overall health rather than physical appearance.

Q: How do I give myself grace on bad days?
A: Allow yourself to have off days and practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that it’s okay to not feel motivated or energized all the time, and adjust your routine accordingly.