Did you know that 70% of women and 45% of men report disliking their bodies? If you have had a hard time loving your body, you are not alone—however, it does not have to be this way!
To change the way you think and feel towards anything takes a conscious effort and a lot of practice. Changing the way you feel about your body is no different! There are many different ways to learn body positivity, so it is important to do what works best for you. To get you started, here is a list of 5 things you can do right now (and every day) to work on loving your body the way you deserve.
1. What is your feed feeding you?
Your social media feed may likely be full of skinny and fit models. It is important to know that if you follow anyone who makes you feel that you should change your body in any way—consider how this energy is impacting the way you feel towards yourself.
Constant exposure to unrealistic body images has the power to change the way we think a “normal” body should look. Recognizing when this external pressure exists gives you the power to unfollow people who do not support your healthy body image. There are many great size inclusive body positive accounts you can follow instead!
2. Consider your health, not your size.
Eating healthy, being physical active, and working on your mental well-being will provide you with the groundwork for a healthy life. But, it is important to consider why you are doing these things.
Eating with restrictions and exercising as punishment for eating happen when you are focused on your size. Eating to nourish your body and exercising to move and honor your body happens when you are focused on a healthy life.
Transition your thinking from your size to your health to help make peace with your body. Consider looking into the Health at Every Size Movement.
3. Quit comparing.
It’s easy to look at someone and wish you looked the way they do. It’s important to recognize that everyone has a different shape and size.
It may be relieving to know about the set point theory. This theory states that your body has a genetically and biologically determined weight range that it is predisposed to maintain. This means that everyone’s biological makeup is set to maintain different weights.
Reminding yourself that you are built different than the people you compare yourself to will help you appreciate your body more. Besides, wouldn’t it be a boring world if we all looked the same?
4. Notice the way you talk to yourself.
It’s easy to overlook the way you talk to yourself. Take the step to become more conscious of the way you talk to yourself and treat yourself with the same gentleness you would treat a friend. If you catch yourself saying something that you would not tell a friend, gently remind yourself you don’t deserve to be talked to like that.
When you change the narration of the way you think every time you look in the mirror, you will begin to feel more positive about your body!
5. Appreciate all your body can do.
Your body is so much more than the outer shell you see. Think about how many processes are going on inside just to keep us alive. Our brain directing us to eat, drink and sleep, our heart beating - it’s endless! When you start thinking negatively about your body image, try to remind yourself of all the amazing things your body allows you do - like laugh, smile, walk, dance, etc., every day.
In conclusion, practicing body positivity is a great way to demonstrate your appreciation for the body you have. It will help you feel more in control of your thoughts and more confident. It can prevent worsening body image that can lead to eating disorders and exercise addiction.
If you are concerned that your body image has impacted your diet in an unhealthy way, reach out to a registered dietitian who is certified to give you nutrition guidance.
Learn more about Wellness Workdays and our wellness program offerings by downloading our brochure.
Written by: Erin Angelillo, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern
Sources:
1. NEDA