Regardless of your body shape, self-respect and self-acceptance are essential to maintaining a healthy body image.
Unfortunately, many people struggle with finding this acceptance and decide their body is too soft, too skinny, not muscular enough, etc. Dissatisfaction may stem in part from a steady diet of media images where bodies seem to be “perfect.” Though many of us recognize that some of these images have been digitally enhanced or that we cannot reasonably achieve model perfection, we still find ourselves believing that it is an attainable goal, if only we’d try harder. Caring about how we look is normal; the challenge is to stay balanced and realistic in our approach to becoming fit and looking and feeling good!
What do you want from the way you look and feel? Do you agree with these statements?
- I want to feel healthy and energetic so that I can accomplish everything I want and need to do.
- I want to have fun being with other people and I want others to enjoy being with me.
- I want to value myself and my body for all that I am capable of doing and achieving, and not be valued for my appearance only.
What don’t you want? Are any of these statements true for you?
- I spend a lot of time and energy worrying about food and my appearance.
- I often feel guilty about what I eat or not getting enough exercise.
- I am constantly dieting and/or exercising, but I still don’t like the way that I look.
- I feel a lot of pressure from myself or other people about how much I should weigh or how I should look.
- I feel diminished when I see images of models or celebrities.
Reframing Your Body Image!
One list cannot automatically tell you how to turn negative body thoughts into positive body image, but it can help you think about new ways of looking more healthfully and happily at yourself and your body. The more you do this, the more likely you are to feel good about who you are and the body you naturally have.
Appreciate and celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you: running, dancing, breathing, laughing, etc.
Keep a Top-10 list of things you like about yourself – things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often and add to it as you become aware of new insights.
- Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin deep. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of appearance. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of body.
- Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you; as a whole person.
- Surround yourself with positive people! It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are.
- Shut down those messages in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. Overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. When you next begin to tear yourself down, build yourself up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.
- Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work with your body, not against it.
- Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Protest by writing a letter to the advertiser or by talking back to the image or message.
- Do something nice for yourself that lets your body know you appreciate it. Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, or find a peaceful place to relax.
- Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others. Sometimes simply reaching out to others can help you feel better about yourself and can definitely make a positive change in our world!
The Body Image Coalition challenges you to go one week without Fat Talking. Commit by signing the banner on Monday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Founder’s Hall lobby, as we kick off Fat Talk Free Week, October 18 – 22.