Are you happy when you look in the mirror? You don’t have to be a model or bodybuilder to have a positive body image, but it’s important to be happy with yourself. Being comfortable in your own skin may take some work, but it will improve your mentality and overall health. This takes a deep look within – and will lead to an acceptance of oneself as well as even a feeling of being proud of your looks. If you find yourself struggling with body image, then follow these steps today to help become more positive.
1) Find Out What’s Important to You
Some people don’t have a positive body image, but they’re not sure why. Are you unhappy because you’re too thin, overweight, or something else? Maybe it’s not even about your weight. You can head in the right direction by finding individuals that you regard as positive. They can be your friends, people you at work, celebrities, or anyone you want. Make a list of the people you think of then write down what you like about them. Do this multiple times and you will start to see a pattern.
Remember that this doesn’t have to be about physical qualities. If you happen to admire various different individuals for their intellect, kindness, or any other quality that doesn’t involve looks, then you’ll find that these are important factors to work on for yourself.
2) Care Less About What People Think for a Positive Body Image
You are becoming more positive for yourself, not others. Oftentimes we get wrapped up in what society, culture, or other people say and think. The fact is that these opinions change over time. Remember reading that being overweight used to be a sign of wealth? That was solely a societal/cultural viewpoint that probably had thin people feeling negative back then. Today, magazines and television tell us we need to be thin or muscular to look good. Who cares? What’s important is that you feel good and positive – not how other people see you. In fact, when you’re strong, confident, and have a positive outlook, many people will admire that no matter what you look like.
3) Think of a Time You Were Happy with Yourself
At some point in the past, you probably didn’t even think of body image, or if you did, you were happy. When was that? Maybe you were a kid or maybe it was a couple of years ago. Either way, try to remember being happy and positive. Was it because of your looks, your personal situation, or something else? You can use this to boost your mood by remembering that it’s possible to feel positive – because you have in the past! Once you get that boost, think of why you were happy with yourself and focus on getting back to that point.
4) Think Positive – for a Positive Body Image
As you’re reading this, I have an exercise for you before you read on. Either open up a document on your computer or grab a pen and paper. Write down what you like about yourself. List as many things as you can – physical, mental, social, anything. You may realize that there are a lot more positives than you thought! This will also get you to redirect your thinking into a less negative outlook. When you focus on whatever makes you unhappy, it only creates more unwanted thoughts and emotions. Thinking positive is a great mental trick to try.
5) Avoid Negative People/Stick with Positive
Have you ever been around someone that continuously talked about how bad their life was? They had not one positive thing to say. Then after this conversation, did it feel like your soul was drained for the day? We call these people soul suckers – they feed off of you, and you ultimately take on the feelings of negativity. Instead of giving them the pleasure of unloading their baggage on you, avoid them if you can! Add more positive people in your life. I really think that emotions are contagious. If you’re surrounded by happy and positive people, you will eventually start feeling that way too.
6) Exercise More for a Positive Body Image
Exercising is a great way to enhance your feelings about your body. You will start seeing results relatively quickly – mentally and physically. Have you ever worked out then you were in a great mood for a couple of days? It’s a great way to get yourself to think positively as well as get your body in better shape. If you’re mainly concerned about the physical aspects of your body image, then add a workout routine into your daily/weekly schedule. If you need some help getting started, check out these guides: