The 21st century has brought us so many improved ways to communicate, and so many advances in technology. However, exposure to all this data and images comes with a downside. From magazines to TV ads to social media, we seem to be completely surrounded by people who have “the perfect body”. In the absence of self-love, this can wreak havoc on our body image.
In fact, today’s societal pressures can be so challenging to cope with that about 2.4% of Americans are now experiencing body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
This mental health condition causes a person to obsess over their flaws, thinking that these flaws are noticed and disapproved of by everyone around them.
The best way to fight off and prevent BDD is by improving our body image to ensure we’re happy and proud to be in our bodies, just the way they are.
How to Improve Your Body Image
Here are some effective ways to improve your body image.
1. Improve Your Body Image Through Positive Self-Talk
If you battle negative self-talk like many of us do, you know that the brain can be very powerful.
When it comes to our body image, negative self-talk overemphasizes our “flaws” like our weight, muscle tone, or the condition of our hair or skin.
With positive self-talk, we appreciate the beauty of who we are, and we appreciate our bodies for what they do for us.
We can encourage positive self-talk in several ways, such as restricting social media usage and interactions that we have noticed often create negative triggers.
We should also make an effort to record positive feedback or comments and focus on them.
2. Improve Your Body Image by Doing Things That Make You Feel Good
Seems like common sense, doesn’t it? But we all need these reminders from time to time. Life simply isn’t about being worried about what we look like. Or anything else, for that matter!
Consider doing things that encourage positive thoughts about yourself and your body.
Do you enjoy shopping for new clothes? Why not go for a relaxing shop and pick out a few items within your budget that complement your style. Try to always wear clothes that make you feel good about your body.
Is there an activity that feels particularly good, physically?
A warm bath, or a walk in the sun? Seek out these activities as often as you can, too.
How about activities that make you feel pampered and cared for?
For instance, you can consider getting a massage or taking on various beauty treatments such as facials to further boost your self-confidence and improve your natural glow.
3. Watch what you eat
As the old saying goes: “You are what you eat.” This shouldn’t be confused with obsessing over what you eat.
Just aim to do a little better at switching out unhealthy items in your diet, such as sugary foods and drinks, junk food, and high-sodium foods, with healthier options.
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet means taking a bit more effort to nourish and care for yourself.
This, in turn, increases your self-esteem and confidence, making you feel good about yourself and your body.
However, it is important to remember that eating healthily is a lifestyle, not a strict routine.
Doing this reduces the pressure and allows you to enjoy your healthy eating journey and practice mindful eating.
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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