Mind Over Body

10 Steps to Positive Body Image

1. Appreciate all that your body can do.  Every day your body carries you closer to your dreams.  Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you
2. Keep a top-ten list of things you like about yourself—things that aren’t related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Add to it as you become aware of more things to like about yourself.
3. Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin deep.  When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel.  Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.
4. Look at yourself as a whole person.  When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts.
5. Surround yourself with positive people.  It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are.
6. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person.  You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones.
7. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body.  Work with your body, not against it.
8. Become a critical viewer of social and media messages.  Pay attention to images, slogans, or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body.
9. Do something nice for yourself--something that lets your body know you appreciate it.
10. Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others.  https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org