When you feel better about your body and boost your poor self image, you'll change the way you think about your life and the world. Accepting and honoring who you are – from your brain to your back end – unclutters your mind and allows you to see the world with fresh eyes. It's about going beyond diets, worries about weight loss, and your old ways of thinking. Feeling better about your body isn't just about your appearance: your work and home life will benefit, too.
Feel Better About Your Body: 5 Ways to Boost a Poor Self Image
1. Admit you're not a mind reader. You may think you know what the guy in the elevator thinks of your skin or body…but you don’t have a clue. You can’t read people’s minds! People are generally thinking about themselves 99% of the time: their work, their feelings, their opinions, their hunger pangs, their gas. If you’re self conscious in the bedroom, you’re probably thinking that your partner is distracted by your cellulite or extra weight, but it's only YOU who is distracted. Your partner is enjoying the sensations and feelings – and you should be, too.
You can't read people’s minds, so don’t waste your time trying. When you're trying to feel better about your body, be especially careful not to attribute your thoughts or opinions to other people! You're more often than not wrong, and you're simply hurting yourself when you delude yourself into thinking that you know what they're thinking. Boost your body image by admitting you can't read minds.
2. Let go of the all-or-nothing beliefs. Feel better about your body by accepting yourself, flaws and all. Say you did mess up the presentation at work or accidentally insult someone at a party…it doesn’t mean you’re a rotten employee or a total jerk. You made a mistake; find the freedom in admitting it and moving on. Don’t fall into the trap of not enjoying yourself on dates or at parties if your hair isn't perfect or your skin isn’t flawless; don’t believe the lie that your appearance or personality is all or nothing: all good, all bad, all boring, all stupid, or even all smart. Instead, take the good with the bad. Boost a poor self image by accepting that your hair isn't looking exactly right. Wear your favorite outfit or hat to offset your negative feelings to feel better about your body. You feel bloated because your period's on its way? Drink extra water (it's counterintuitive, but it works) and go for a long walk, swim, or jog. You messed up at work? Recall the wise choices and smart decisions you made.
3. Focus on your passions. When improving your body image in particular: forget about your skin, weight, size, and shape. What do you love to do? What gets you excited, makes you forget that time is passing? Maybe you've always wanted to travel, paint, or explore the antique shops in the funky part of your town. When you explore new things or concentrate on what makes you happy, you're less likely to feel bad about your body, personality, or mind. You'll feel better about your body when you do what you love. Boosting a poor self image happens naturally when you focus on your passions.
4. Stop hiding. As hard as it is, reveal yourself to others. I don't just mean physically (though that can be healthy and affirming) – I mean emotionally. If you feel self-conscious about your belly or thighs, talk about it with your partner. Feeling better about your body and boosting a poor self image means sharing your vulnerable feelings with the people you trust. Often, they'll reassure you and tell you they love you no matter what – and you only need to let yourself believe them. Being authentic and real will not only make you feel better about yourself, it’ll encourage others to do the same.
5. Remember the mind-body connection. Your body is so tied in with your mind that simply thinking about stressful situations raises your blood pressure, increases your heart rate, and lowers your immune system. If you keep thinking about how ugly or fat you feel, your physical health will suffer along with your emotional health. To feel better about your body, focus on positive thoughts and healthy activities.
If you found Feel Better About Your Body: 5 Ways to Boost a Poor Self Image helpful, try:
- Building a Healthy Body Image
- Body Image & Fear of Intimacy
- How to Stop Emotional Eating
- The Best 10 Reasons to Exercise
