We all have insecurities. In a world with so much pressure to be perfect, it’s no wonder so many of us are insecure about how we look. I believe when you accept and love your body, you’re more inclined to nourish it with healthier foods, adequate rest, and exercise. This is how the celebration of your body becomes a celebration of healthy living.
So how can you learn to appreciate your body and not always focus on what you need to change? Here are some ways to do just that:
stop tearing yourself apart
Let’s face it – even those with so-called perfect bodies would change some things about themselves if they could. Celebrities and models who have been labeled “perfect bodies” have parts they don’t like – their feet, their chins, their ears – and they don’t necessarily all have high self-esteem either! Instead of tearing your body apart, repeat this to yourself daily: “Life is too short to waste my time hating my body like this.”
Spend more time being productive
How much time do you spend each day worrying about your weight, your body shape, the size of your butt? What else could you do during this time? Think of all the things you could achieve with the time and energy you are currently spending caring for your body and your looks. Make a list of people you admire—people who have contributed to your life, your community, or the world. Then consider whether their appearance was important to their success and achievements.
get real
Most of the images you see on TV, in movies and in magazines are very made up. Magazine cover models go through hours of professional hair and makeup, professional stylists choosing their clothes, top photographers and professional lighting – not to mention retouching or other post-production elements to ensure they look the way they will appear in the finished product. Before you compare yourself to a woman in the media, be sure to find out what’s really going on behind the scenes. And realize that no one naturally “glows” the way these models appear all the time.
Change your inner dialogue
Identify the negative ways you talk to yourself and decide to replace those self-talks with more realistic, loving, and positive statements. Think about it: If you had a friend who spoke to you the way you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend?
Train to be strong and healthy
Find an exercise method that you enjoy and do it regularly. Don’t exercise to lose weight or to fight your body shape. Do it to make your body healthy and strong and because it makes you feel good.
Take care of your body – it’s the only one you get
Diets, pills, quick fixes, binge eating, no exercise, over exercise – all of these things disregard one of the greatest gifts you have been given – your body! You only get one per life, so give it the respect it deserves. Not only will you feel better, but you might even become a role model for others!
