Loving Our Bodies: More Daunting Than a Diet

Often, we can find ourselves in front of a mirror and all that comes to mind are criticisms. Generally, these concerns are based on image and revolve around wanting to lose weight or staring at zits.  We may yearn for some type of body makeover instead of appreciating what we have. In fact, according to a survey from Weight Watchers, the average woman criticizes herself at least eight times a day, starting as early as 9:30 in the morning.

It is not a new concept that women compare themselves to images found on social media that seem to represent what a “perfect body” should look like.  We tell ourselves that we are doing something wrong by not looking like these images.  We  fall for the delusion that it is actually  possible to attain this perfect body type while simultaneously balancing all that goes on in our lives.  Ultimately, the way we use these images in the media as a measuring stick causes a negative relationship with ourselves as we are always falling short of achieving the unachievable. 

It is about time that we take ourselves out from under these delusions and fix the broken relationship we have with our bodies.  Let us stop wishing for body makeovers and try to love the skin we’re in.  Although sometimes this may feel impossible, here are some quick and easy strategies that will help us start to feel more body positive:

1.     Find your sense of style

Everyone has their own taste and is inherently drawn to different patterns, texture, and styles. So, instead of following popular trends and making our bodies conform to fashion, we should try to find what makes us feel most comfortable and unique.  Being in tune with what makes us feel good helps us develop a sense of confidence and pride in our bodies as they are. 

2. Change the way you think about food

Often times we see food as the enemy or as a sum of calories. We need to start thinking about food in a more positive way.  Taking the time to make some of our own dishes allows us to see both the ingredients and effort that goes into creating them.  This therapeutic activity can be incredibly liberating by altering the process of how we not only eat but think about food.  Food is the energy that fuels our bodies, not something that we must constantly monitor or feel negatively towards.  Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, try replicating some of your favorite takeout or restaurant dishes!

3. Movement 

When we think of fitness, we generally associate it with weight loss or strict work out schedules. However, engaging in physical activity also strengthens mental health by releasing endorphins. So, we should try new activities such as taking yoga classes, hiking in nature or biking through our favorite areas in town.  We should exercise to become closer to our bodies rather than putting so much attention on trying to change ourselves. 

4. Don’t get mad at yourself

It’s easy to get upset when we think we are losing some sort of progress. When this happens, we sometimes get so wrapped up that we forget to check in with ourselves and we forget to remind ourselves that we should love our bodies rather than criticize them.  The task of being body positive in a world that constantly tells us to change ourselves is extremely difficult. 

5. It’s OK to feel insecure

Sometimes it seems that we should not share our emotions,  especially negative ones.  However, it’s important to let yourself have these feelings rather than bottling them up.  We are allowed to feel down sometimes because it helps us to better understand ourselves.  Once we can identify the reasons behind our negative emotions, we can start working to be at peace with them.