Top 5 Tips to Improve Your Body Image Now
At every age, how we feel about our appearance makes a big impact on our overall self-esteem. It’s completely normal to have insecurities and feel better about ourselves some days than others, but if you find yourself being preoccupied by how others perceive you, it might be time to improve your relationship with your body image. Easier said than done, right? Here’s five of our best tips you can try right now to improve your self-image.
Avoid Comparison
Comparison is the enemy of joy. In our digital world, we see hundreds of artificially perfect people every day. It’s all too easy to compare ourselves to influencers, celebrities, and other figures on social media. Consider muting or unfollowing accounts that make you feel insecure. You are in charge of your own media diet - so why keep following accounts that make you feel worse about yourself?
Identify Non-Physical Traits You Embody
There will always be days when we don't feel great about our bodies. The best way to stay positive about yourself day in and day out is to base your self-esteem off non-physical traits. Try brainstorming a list of 5-10 things that you like about yourself that have nothing to do with your achievements or appearance. This list can become an affirmation mantra; for example, you can say to yourself “I am a good friend, I am hardworking, I am smart…”
Focus on What Your Body Can Do
Oftentimes, our body image is solely concerned about looks; however, as any older person will tell you, the real value of a healthy body is what it allows you to do. Think about all the things your body can do for you, such as taking nature walks, playing with your kids, and exploring new places. Shifting the focus from form to function can help you feel better about your body.
Challenge Negative Thoughts
Train yourself to identify negative thoughts about your body. When you can catch them, then you can challenge them. Take the thought “I am so overweight; everyone will think I look stupid in this dress.” Ask yourself what evidence you have to support that claim. Will everyone really be paying attention to you and judging your body? Or are they more likely to be focused on worrying about themselves? Combating negative thoughts with evidence like this can help you battle irrational beliefs that contribute to negative body image.
Get Curious About Negative Thoughts
Ask yourself where specific negative thoughts come from. Do you really hate your hair, or has someone made fun of you for it in the past? Do you really feel like your body is too old to look good in that dress, or have you just been conditioned by society to think that only young women should show skin? Understanding where our negative thoughts come from and identifying when they aren’t genuinely ours can help reduce these thoughts.
While body image issues are a common struggle, they shouldn’t be preoccupying your attention or impacting your daily life. If these tips and other self-image strategies haven’t worked for you, and especially if you feel you have an unhealthy relationship with food, it’s time to seek professional help. Counseling is an effective treatment for body image issues and can help you build a stable sense of self-esteem that holds up even when you are having a bad day. Need a qualified counselor in Shelby Twp, MI? Look no further than AWC. Our experienced therapists are accepting new clients today.
References
Hope, S. O. (2021, December 10). How do I improve my body image? | Seeds of Hope. Seeds of Hope. https://www.seedsofhopesupport.com/how-to-improve-your-body-image/
