Ten Ways to Boost Your Body Image
Disclaimer: Body image is obviously a complex beast and it will take time to turn your negative thoughts into positive ones. Negative body image does not develop overnight so it will not change overnight.
HOWEVER, consider this list your first glimpse at how you can start to shut down the voice in your head that says you are not good enough. You are 100% capable of cultivating a healthy body image. It just takes practice and patience!
1. CREATE A DAILY PERSONAL AFFIRMATION
Yes, it feels strange and corny at first. IT GETS EASIER! This affirmation or mantra can be directly related to body image or a more general message. You can use several at once and they may change over time. My current personal mantra is "Why not me? I'm awesome!" This has helped me whenever my confidence is low or on those days that the negative voice in my head is telling me that I'm not good enough to do something. Back when I was struggling with poor body image, it was simply "I am Enough".
Yes, it works. Positive self-talk works wonders. Whenever your negative voice acts up, try shouting your own message louder than that voice would ever dare. Let go of "My thighs are so chubby", or "I wish I had longer legs", or "I wish I had more curves". Choose phrases that give you back your power. Remember to always be kind to yourself.
Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a quick affirmation that works for you.
2. WRITE A PERSONAL TOP TEN LIST
Grab some paper. Write a list of ten reasons why you are amazing. Keep in mind that this list should not be related to what you look like. Read it often and add more items as you think of them. Put the list somewhere where you can see it everyday. On a bad day, sometimes we just need a little reminder of how awesome we are. Things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like.
3. EMBRACE YOUR IMPERFECTIONS
When we start something new (a job, college, hobby, etc.) it is easy to expect ourselves to get it right the first time. Most of us will not. We will make many, many, many mistakes on our way and that is normal.
Just because it doesn't work out doesn't mean that it never will and just because one part has gone wrong doesn't mean the whole thing will.
Be kind to yourself, learn something from it, and try again.
4. REDISCOVER WHAT YOUR BODY DOES FOR YOU
Every day your body allows you to do amazing things—breathing, laughing, dancing, dreaming, etc. Take full advantage of this and live in your body with total gratitude. Sign up for a yoga class, go for a hike, or watch a classic comedy with friends. Wear clothes that are comfortable and make you feel confident. Start praising your body for everything it is, rather than criticizing it for what it’s not.
5. REMIND YOURSELF THAT BEAUTY IS MULTIFACETED
Beauty is not confined to what you look like and there is no beauty ideal. Beauty comes with feeling good about yourself, accepting yourself in your imperfection, and carrying yourself with no apologies.
Look at yourself as a whole person-your brain, your ideas, your talents, your future, the whole package.
6. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
It is far easier to feel good about yourself when you are around people who are positive. Look for people who appreciate you just as you are and who are not constantly talking negatively about their own bodies or the bodies of others.
7. DON’T BELIEVE SOCIAL MEDIA MESSAGES
Pay close attention to the images, attitudes, or hashtags clouding your social media. Images of friends, celebrities, and influencers can tempt us to compare our own bodies and eating patterns to those of others. Learn about apps such as Facetune and Bodytune and really think about how much you can trust the photos you see. Unfollow people and pages that that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Fill your news feed with positive messages.
8. TREAT YOURSELF
Do something for yourself that makes you feel good. Go for a walk, take a bubble bath, or have a spa day. Go somewhere peaceful and enjoy the atmosphere. Take your lunch (and maybe a good book) outside and take in the breeze.
9. TREAT SOMEONE ELSE
Instead of wasting time and energy in worrying about your body or weight, do something productive to help others. Go on a coffee date with your BFF or spend some time volunteering! You bring value to this world that is not dependent on your reflection.
10. CHALLENGE YOUR PRIORITIES
When you catch yourself criticizing your body, ask: "Am I benefiting from focusing on these perceived flaws in my appearance?", “How is this helpful to me?”, or “What is a more helpful thing for me to focus on?” “What else could I be doing with my time and energy?” Answer yourself honestly and adjust your expectations.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO TALK TO A PROFESSIONAL WHO HAS HELPED OTHERS OVERCOME THEIR BODY IMAGE CONCERNS AND FIND ACTIONABLE WAYS TO REACH THEIR GOALS, WE WELCOME YOU TO CALL US.
WE’D LOVE TO HELP YOU TOO.
772-888-0212
hello@transcendencecounselingfl.com
333 17th St, Suite W
Vero Beach, FL 32960
Need more strategies to boost your body image?
Join Jessica this summer in Vero Beach for a 8-week Body Image Workshop Series that will focus on helping participants:
• Increase Self-Esteem
• Develop a Positive Body Image
• Learn to Recognize Strengths
• Develop a Body Positive Lifestyle
Spaces are limited. Pre-registration is required.
Click here to learn more and register today!