Improved body image can be a long journey, especially when you must undo all of the unhealthy messages and things you’ve been taught to think about yourself.
It’s important to note that a lot of the insecurities you have are not yours. You have been given them, whether by an overly critical parent, a toxic friend, or most likely, the media. Women can’t do right in the media – we’re too skinny, too fat, too sexy, not sexy enough – the list goes on.
I remember being in high school. I was SO skinny and I hated it because everyone would think I was anorexic. I had a best friend who was really thin too and people called us the anorexic twins.
I am pretty sure the girls that were saying this (yep, all girls, no guys said this!) were jealous of us. I mean, why do you bully someone unless you feel pretty down on yourself? Very sad, but, very true! Why not build each other up instead of tearing one another down? I did nothing to those chicks!
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The Only Guide You Need For Improved Body Image
When we realize that it’s all a ploy to make us insecure and keep us down, we can start stepping into our full potential and owning our power. It takes work, but it can be done! With this in mind, read on for a few ways you can start improving your body image today.
1. Appreciating What Your Body Can Do
Think of all of the things your body can do and feel grateful for them. For example, your legs that get you from A-B, your feet (no matter how big they are) that help you to walk unencumbered, and so on. Of course, this will be different for everybody. Just think of the things you do every day and think of how amazing it is that your body does that for you. You don’t even need to remind it to breathe!
2. Listing Things You Like About Yourself
Make a list of things you like about yourself and add to it every day. Get over the idea that loving yourself is ‘big-headed’. You could list things like your smile, or even small things like your ears until you get used to this. Just don’t forget to list your personality traits! Your body is always the least interesting thing about you.
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3. Speak To A Pro
Sometimes, BDD may be the issue. Some insecurities run much deeper than others, and in these cases, there’s no harm in speaking to a professional. You might decide that breast augmentation or a similar procedure will boost your self-esteem, and while this may be the case, making sure you’re in the right headspace first is essential.
4. Look At Yourself As A Whole Person
Don’t focus on one body part in the mirror. Start looking at yourself as a whole – this is how others see you. Nobody sees the same things you do.
5. Remember the Compliments
Our brains are hardwired to remember the things that people said to upset us. Remember the compliments instead – write them down if you have to!
6. Surround Yourself With Positive People
People who are also attempting to love themselves and want to have a positive mindset will have a great impact on your journey to self-love.
Photo by Helena Lopes from Pexels
7. Become A Critical Viewer Of The Media
Magazines and many products online are designed to make us feel like we’re missing something. There’s a lot of money to be made from making women feel insecure or like they are not enough! Become a critical viewer, and realize you don’t need to change a thing about yourself to be worthy.
Remember, loving yourself just as you are now without feeling the need to change anything about yourself is a rebellious act. Be a rebel and enjoy your improved body image as you should!
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