Ever wonder if you’re attractive enough, or feel negative about your body? Building a positive body image is a good way to live well and beat insecurities that get you down.
Letting go of a self-critical nature can be tough, especially when we’re surrounded by the kinds of images we tend to find throughout the media, on billboards, in stores and more. It can be hard not to compare yourself to others, and unconsciously decide they are in better shape, thinner, stronger or even happier than you are.
The image you have of your own body truly matters, so it’s smart to learn ways to improve how you feel about yourself. Your self-worth doesn’t have to rely on your size, or how you think you look compared to others. You’re a unique human being and just like the rest of us, you have strengths and imperfections. Why be so hard on yourself?
Actually, it’s not good for your health and wellness to carry on with your self-critical ways. The underlying stress of a negative body image can alter your mood, sap your enthusiasm for self-care, and lead to negative lifestyle choices.
10 Tips for a Positive Body Image
Here are ten tips for learning to let go of your insecurities and growing your own inner peace and self-confidence through a positive body image!
- Remind yourself to appreciate all that your body can do—it’s an amazing living machine and miraculous in how it moves, heals, learns, and more.
- Create a list of things you like most about yourself, inside AND out. Keep it with you. Refer to it often, whenever you catch yourself in comparison mode.
- Practice mindfulness to calm your negative thoughts, and see yourself as a whole person. The way your arms, belly or thighs look does not define who you are.
- Know that you don’t need to live your life as a competition. Even as you work to achieve goals, your mindset can be one of seeking experiences and connections.
- Look at your closest relationships and the environments you spend the most time in. Surround yourself with positive people who accept you as you are.
- Notice triggers of your insecurities in your daily life—is it the way your co-worker speaks to you or how your wardrobe fits? Address what you can, in baby steps.
- Express your personal style in your clothing, accessories, hair and makeup. Wear clothes you’re comfortable in, and accentuate your favorite traits.
- Treat yourself with respect and kindness. Imagine what your own best friends and loving family members would tell you if they heard your negative self-talk.
- Use the time and energy that you might spend on criticizing yourself or feeding insecurities to do something to help others—a pet or a kid is a great start.
- Set your goals and base your ambitions on how you like to feel and what you like to do, versus numbers on the scale, or what your friends do. It’s your life to live!