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What are 3 ways to help with body image?

Ways To Improve Your Body Image Learn To Recognize Your Positive Qualities. It’s important to be comfortable in your own skin, Surround Yourself With Positive And Supportive People, Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Comfortable And Confident, Stay Active!, Other Helpful Articles

5 Strategies for Overcoming Negative Body Image

Negative body image can have a devastating impact on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health, leading to low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. It sometimes feels like an insurmountable task to overcome, but there are strategies that have been proven to be effective in the process. Read on for 5 strategies for overcoming negative body image,::

1. Connect With Nature and Move Your Body

Stimulating multiple senses can help to reinforce positive thoughts about the body. For this reason, connecting with nature is highly recommended. Spending time outdoors, gardening, walking in a park, or hiking can help to re-establish the connection between the body, mind, and the environment. Exercise is another activity that has been found to have a positive impact on body image. This can be something as simple as taking the stairs, going for a walk, or participating in outdoor activities such as swimming or playing sports with friends.

2. Practice Positive Self-talk and Self-compassion

Life is full of moments when our inner critic takes over and starts belittling us. In order to combat this, it is important to start practicing positive self-talk and self-compassion. This means replacing negative thoughts and criticisms with supportive and kind words when thinking about yourself and your body. Acknowledge the parts of your body that change and tell yourself that you are beautiful and capable regardless of size. Encouraging yourself to take care of your body and make healthy decisions can positively impact self-perception.

3. Challenge Beauty Norms and Idealization

Research suggests that the idealization of thinness and beauty can create feelings of worthlessness and disappointment. When feeling overwhelmed perhaps by seeing someone with a thin and perfect body, remind yourself that beauty norms are ever changing and not universally accepted. Individualize beauty by challenging what makes it a certain way and also reminding yourself that beauty takes all shapes and sizes. Choose your own beauty standards that make you feel powerful and confident.

4. Get Support

The journey of overcoming negative body image is not meant to be done alone. Asking for help and finding support around you can be extremely useful in connecting with positive and uplifting role-models. A therapist or a coach can also provide a safe space to work on self-love, compassion and getting to know yourself better. Adolescence can be a time for transformation and understanding, so don’t be afraid to get support and take time to discuss negative feelings and learn more about yourself and your body.

5. Focus on What YOU Love

Finding ways to appreciate and celebrate your body can be a powerful tool in the journey of overcoming negative body image. When you focus on what makes your body unique, and what you love about it, it sends a message of self-acceptance to your subconscious mind. Instead of looking for what other people think of your body, see body-objectification as an invitation to look within and listen to your deepest self.

Next Steps

Now that you have read about the strategies for overcoming negative body image, you can take the time to reflect on how you feel and where you stand in your journey. If you find yourself struggling with low self-esteem and negative thoughts about your body and appearance, talking to a friend or a professional therapist can help set boundaries for yourself and create a shift in your emotions. Practicing self-care, eating healthy and spending time in nature can also have a positive effect on mental health. Lastly, remembering that beauty is subjective and individualized can help to create a healthy environment for self-love and positive body image.

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