Choose to look at yourself and your body in a more positive way. The more you practice these thought patterns, the better you’ll feel about who you are and the body you naturally have.
1. Appreciate all that your body can do.
Every day your body works for you to carry you closer to your dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you—running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming and more.
2. Keep a top-ten list of things you like about yourself.
List things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you discover more things to like about yourself.
3. 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 more beautiful. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.
4. Look at yourself as a whole person.
When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, stop being mean to yourself. Choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you–as a whole person.
5. 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.
6. Stop letting a look or comment from someone else determine how you feel about yourself.
That person probably wasn't judging you. You may be judging yourself. Instead try saying to yourself, "I forgive you. I send you love."
7. Don’t join in when your friends compare and trash their own bodies and talk about dieting.
You hurt yourself when you bash yourself with others. Instead, celebrate your natural beauty and each other's successes.
8. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person.
You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations that work for you.
9. Work with your body, not against it.
Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body.
10. 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 these messages: write a letter to the advertiser or talk back to the image or message
11. Do something nice for yourself.
Do something that lets your body know you appreciate it. Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, find a peaceful place outside to relax.
12. Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others.
Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in our world.
“You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.” ― Amy Bloom