Few things wreak havoc on our self-esteem more than poor body image. When we struggle to accept the way we look on the outside, the way we feel on the inside is what pays the price.
In a world so focused on the outward appearance, it can be difficult to learn to love our bodies despite their flaws. When everyone around us seems obsessed with changing the way they look, how do we make peace with our body image?
Below are seven self-care tips to help improve both your self-esteem and body image.
1. Be Grateful for What Your Body Can Do
You may never have your dream body, but you can practice positivity by being grateful for what you have already been blessed with. If your legs are strong enough to walk around the mall or run a race outside, you are already doing things millions of people cannot do.
Even if you need to start small, just start somewhere. Be thankful for things like healthy eyes that let you see the world and arms that help you hug your loved ones.
2. Take a Break from Social Media
While the internet can be a wonderful tool in our lives, it can also be a very triggering place for people who struggle with low self-esteem and poor body image. To help care for your body and your mind, limit or temporarily end the time you spend on social media. Taking a break from the digital world can help you reduce comparisons and limit your exposure to unrealistic body image standards.
3. Set Realistic Expectations for Change
No matter how hard you wish, you cannot magically grow taller or change your facial structure. You will waste precious time and energy trying to “fix” physical features that are beyond your control.
As you work to become more at peace with your appearance and to accept yourself for who you are, focus only on healthy, realistic goals that you can achieve—such as getting into better shape, toning your leg muscle, or trying a new hair color.
4. Live a Balanced Life
Your looks are anything but the most important thing about you. While it is normal to want to feel accepted and attractive, avoid the temptation to obsess over your physical appearance. Your body image isn’t everything, and self-esteem should come from many other sources. Focus on bringing balance into your life by also setting social, financial, spiritual, and career goals.
5. Make Time for Your Body
Just because you cannot change everything about your body doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of what you have been given. Take the time necessary to appreciate and care for your body on a regular basis.
This could mean anything from taking a hot bath to going for a run to getting a manicure or massage. Whatever self-care looks like for you, make it a priority.
6. Spend Time with People Who Uplift You
Nothing feeds the negative body image cycle like surrounding yourself with people who hate their bodies. If your friends and family are constantly talking negatively about their own appearance, it will only encourage you to do the same.
Instead, surround yourself with positive people who uplift you and encourage you to love yourself. A healthy support group will make all the difference.
7. Choose Joy
Whenever you are in control of your situation, commit to choosing joy. Keep a gratitude journal, fill your office with fresh flowers, join a yoga class, play your favorite music—anything that brightens your spirit.
The way you feel about yourself can be heavily influenced by your environment and everyday choices, so choose to find beauty and joy whenever and wherever you can.
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To help heal your relationship with both your body and your mind, try these seven self-care tips today.
For more support developing a healthy body image, please reach out to me or visit here to learn more about how I can help.