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A Better You
by Jo Ann
Fore
Positive Body
Image
Let’s just agree - feeling good
about what we weigh is a basic building block for a
healthy self-esteem. But having a positive image about
your body is difficult for many people, because the
definition of a ‘healthy weight’ is varied.
A positive body image becomes more than a philosophical
concept when we learn to nurture our image of ourselves
fairly.
In
order to develop an attitude of change from negative
body
thoughts into a positive body image, it’s
important to internalize the reasons we may desire
a slimmer body; or a healthier weight. Granted a slimmer
body is often a healthier body but our internal reasons
for obtaining a slimmer body can actually determine
the outcome.
If we go on a ‘diet’ for
a special event—rather than to feel better about
ourselves overall—our rate of failure is higher.
If, however, we learn to eat healthier and take better
care of ourselves in order to have more mental and physical
energy every day, we will have a greater chance of success. To
help us think more positively about our body image,
the National Eating Disorders Association has put together
a list: Ten Steps to Positive Body Image. While they
admit, “One list cannot automatically tell you
how to turn negative body thoughts into positive body
image”; they encourage us that “It can
help you think about new ways of looking more healthfully
and happily at yourself and your body. (And) the more
you do that, the more likely you are to feel good about
who you are and the body you naturally have.” (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org)
1.
Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day
your body
carries you closer to your dreams. Celebrate
all the amazing things your body does for you – running,
dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.
2.
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. Add to
it as you become more aware of more things to like
about
you.
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 beautiful regardless of whether you physically
look like a supermodel. 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, 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.
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.
7.
Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you
feel good about your body. Work with your body,
not against it.
8. 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.
9.
Do something nice for yourself – 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.
10. 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.
Use these tips as encouragement as you learn to develop
a positive body image. Remember: What we think about
our physical appearance matters. Body image influences
our self-esteem. Become aware of your positive and
negative influences. Your body can hear what you
say about it!
Jo
Ann Fore welcomes your comments about this article or suggestions
for material you would like to see in future articles.
Email her at: JoAnnFore@msn.com. A
Better You is published every Saturday.
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