Building a healthy body image is a journey that requires self-acceptance, self-love, and a positive mindset. Everybody wants to have that excellent body image, the right body size, unique complexion and ‘ideal’ body weight. A healthy body image is seen as a determining factor of one’s self-esteem, health and confidence. Following strict meal plans, religiously hitting the gym and appearing to overhaul their lifestyle to look, feel & live better are some ways to boost self-image. However, there are several other factors that you should take into consideration which may boost your self-body image.
Appreciate Yourself
This may seem straightforward, but it can be quite challenging. Yes, most of us would know that we ought to love ourselves first before we can expect others to love and appreciate us. But being able to do this can at times be a challenge, because we have been shown for years and years what ‘perfect’ is. Focus on building a healthy lifestyle rather than trying to achieve a certain appearance. This will help you develop a more positive body image. If you can appreciate the amazing things that your body can do, you’ll go a long way to appreciating yourself. By focusing on the positive things about what your body is able to do, you get to love yourself more, maintain your physical and mental strength and have enough time to deal with your weaknesses.
Do What You Love
Passion is the spark. You cannot force yourself to do things that you are not passionate about. Be very mindful of your happiness by focusing on what makes you feel good. Whether it is turning up to your favourite concert, going out for a stroll, exercising or assisting others, do it with all your might. Remember, your happiness is at stake! Do not hold back but, instead, show up for that function looking and feeling confident and ready to hang out with people. However, avoid hanging around individuals who make you feel negative about yourself; keep your eyes and heart focused on positive energy. This might help you learn some of the important ways to develop the right body image. Your friends, colleagues or health professional can often share with you the strategies they have used and that you may find applicable to yourself.
Befriend Your Mirror
Avoiding the mirror will not get rid of your body image dissatisfaction. By regularly looking at yourself, and working on positive self-talk, you will be able to reframe what you see and turn it into a positive. Looking at yourself in the mirror and seeing opportunity for improvement while recognizing what your body is capable of will increase your ability to appreciate yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, just as you would a close friend. Avoid criticizing or judging yourself harshly.
Do Not Compare Yourself With Others
Comparing yourself with others is poison. It might lead to stress, depression and feeling unworthy. Unfortunately, in this social media age, having opportunity for those comparisons are right at your fingertips, and it can be rather difficult to tell the real from the edited. Also, looking at the images that someone else has curated and placed on social media, without truly knowing what is going on behind the scenes is really unfair on yourself. Focus on being you and doing what you love most. Spend time with people who uplift and support you and avoid those who intentionally don’t.
Walk The Talk
As a parent, guardian, aunt or uncle, your kids and those around you look up to you. You need to be their positive example or, at the very least, their point of reference. The way you solve issues and tackle criticism should inspire them. They need to see you appreciate your body, loving what your body is capable of, preventing negative thoughts and staying committed to improving your body image. The urge to positively lead the young ones can give you a commitment to your body image, while remaining honest to yourself and the kids around you. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge that perfection is unattainable. Focus on progress, not perfection.
Exercise
Working out not only keeps you fit but also helps to improve your mindset which goes a long way to developing a better body image. Exercise has the power to transform you both physically and mentally and can help build positive traits such as appreciating the value of hard work and being committed and consistent with your goals. It doesn’t matter what type of exercise you do, if it’s something that you find challenging enough and is taking you closer to your health and fitness goals, it’s worth pursuing.
Conclusion
Remember, building a healthy body image takes time, patience, and practice. Be gentle with yourself as you work towards a more positive and loving relationship with your body. Make use of the tips discussed above to help cultivate a healthier relationship with your body and promote overall well-being. There’ll be days where your body image is high and other days where it might dip. Building resilience and consistency in your approach to enhancing both the physical and mental side of body image improvement is key. This journey that you are on is unique to you, but that doesn’t mean you have to tackle it alone. If you would like to get more personalised help, feel free to reach out today.
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