6 Little Things That Can Positively Impact Your Issues with Body Image

Do you struggle with body image issues? 

If so, you’re not alone. 

Many of us feel the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards set by the media and society. However, the good news is that there are small things you can do every day to help you love and accept your body. 

In this post, we’ll discuss six little things that can positively impact your issues with body image.

Ditch the Diet Mentality

The diet mentality is often associated with restrictive eating patterns, calorie counting, and an obsession with food. It is a mindset that focuses on what we should not be doing or eating, rather than taking care of ourselves and nourishing our bodies in healthy ways. This can be extremely damaging and lead to negative self-talk, feelings of guilt, and shame surrounding food.

By ditching the diet mentality, you can start to appreciate what your body can do for you and shift towards a more positive and accepting mindset. This shift towards acceptance will help you feel better about yourself and improve your body image. Instead of focusing on the flaws or imperfections of your body, you can appreciate the strengths and capabilities of your body.

It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to listen to your body’s needs, nourish it with healthy foods and engage in regular physical activity that makes you feel good. When you focus on nourishing your body and taking care of yourself, you will start to feel more empowered, confident, and content in your own skin. So, it’s time to ditch the diet mentality and start embracing a more positive and accepting mindset towards your body!

Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Good

Wearing clothes that make you feel good can have a significant impact on your body image and self-confidence. The clothes you choose to wear can influence your mood and attitude towards yourself. When you wear something that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable, it can help you see your body in a more positive light.

It’s important to remember that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to dress for your body type. Wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable, regardless of whether it conforms to societal beauty standards. Take some time to experiment with different styles, colors, and patterns until you find what works best for you.

Investing in clothes that make you feel good can also be a form of self-care. When you take the time to put together an outfit that makes you feel confident, you’re sending yourself a positive message that you’re worth the effort. You deserve to feel good in your own skin, and wearing clothes that make you feel good can help you achieve that. So don’t be afraid to be bold and express yourself through your fashion choices – after all, you are unique and beautiful just the way you are!

Speak Kindly To Yourself to Overcome Issues with Body Image

Speaking kindly to yourself is not always an easy task, especially if you have been used to negative self-talk for a long time. However, with practice and persistence, you can change your internal dialogue and improve your body image. Start by paying attention to your thoughts and catch yourself when you have a negative thought about your body. Challenge that thought and replace it with a positive one. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I hate my thighs,” try changing that to “My thighs are strong and carry me through my day.”

Another effective way to speak kindly to yourself is through affirmations. These are positive statements that you repeat to yourself to help change your mindset. Create a list of affirmations that specifically address your body image issues and say them to yourself every day. Some examples include, “I love and accept my body as it is,” “My body is unique and beautiful,” and “I am worthy and deserving of love and respect, regardless of my size or shape.”

Remember, speaking kindly to yourself takes time and effort, but it is worth it. The more you practice self-love and positive self-talk, the easier it will become, and the more your body image will improve.

Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to improve your relationship with your body. By consciously focusing on what you are grateful for about your physical form, you can start to shift your mindset from one of criticism or judgment to one of appreciation and acceptance.

Each day, take a few moments to reflect on the things you are grateful for about your body. It could be as simple as being grateful for the ability to walk, run, or dance, or for having a healthy heart and lungs that allow you to breathe and move. You may be grateful for the strength in your arms and hands that allow you to hug your loved ones or for the ability to see the beauty around you.

By focusing on what you appreciate about your body, you are acknowledging the positive aspects of your physical form rather than dwelling on perceived flaws or imperfections. This can help improve your body image and overall self-esteem.

Practicing gratitude can also help you develop a more positive outlook on life in general. When you are grateful for the things in your life, you are more likely to feel content and fulfilled. This positive mindset can help you cope better with stress and adversity, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.

So take some time each day to practice gratitude for your body. By appreciating what your body can do for you, you can start to develop a more loving and accepting relationship with it.

Move Your Body In Ways That Feel Good

When we hear the word “exercise,” we often think of going to the gym and working out until we’re exhausted. This mindset can make us view exercise as a punishment for our bodies and reinforce negative self-talk. However, exercise doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, moving your body in ways that feel good can actually be a form of self-care and can help you improve your body image.

Think about the activities that bring you joy and make you feel good. Maybe it’s a dance class, a bike ride, or simply taking a walk outside. These types of activities can not only benefit your physical health but also your mental health. When you engage in movement that you enjoy, your brain releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. This can help you feel more positive and confident about your body.

Furthermore, engaging in physical activity can help you connect with your body in a positive way. It can remind you of your body’s strength and capability, which can be a powerful tool in improving your body image. Instead of focusing on what your body looks like, you can focus on what it can do and appreciate it for that.

So, next time you think about exercise, try reframing it as an opportunity to move your body in ways that make you feel good. Remember, exercise doesn’t have to be a punishment – it can be a form of self-care that helps you love and appreciate your body.

Surround Yourself With Positive People

The people we interact with can greatly influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Therefore, it is essential to surround ourselves with positive people who can uplift and encourage us. When it comes to improving our body image, having a supportive network can make all the difference.

Having friends, family, or mentors who accept us for who we are and value us beyond our physical appearance can help us develop a more positive relationship with our bodies. When we are around people who constantly criticize or judge us based on our looks, it can lead to negative self-talk and lower self-esteem.

Positive people can provide emotional support, help us see our strengths beyond our physical appearance, and remind us of our worth. They can inspire us to focus on our unique qualities and encourage us to pursue our passions and goals. Being surrounded by positive influences can lead to a more optimistic outlook on life and can help us appreciate our bodies for all that they can do.

It’s important to note that surrounding yourself with positive people doesn’t necessarily mean cutting out those who are negative or critical. However, it may mean setting boundaries and limiting your exposure to their comments and behaviors. It’s essential to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being and create a positive environment for yourself.

Having a supportive and positive network can help us improve our body image and love ourselves more. When we are surrounded by people who value and appreciate us beyond our physical appearance, we can develop a more positive relationship with our bodies and boost our self-esteem.

Dealing with Issues of Body Image

Improving your body image is a journey that takes time and effort. By incorporating these small things into your daily routine, you can positively impact your relationship with your body. 

Remember that there is no better time than now to start loving yourself and creating a life full of love, joy, and success.

Additional Resources to Help If You Have Issues with Body Image

The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor – In this book, Taylor shares her journey towards radical self-love and offers insights and tools for others to do the same. This book is a great resource for those struggling with negative body image and looking to improve their relationship with their body.

The Surprising Solution to the Body Image Epidemic by Lindsay Kite – In this TED Talk, Kite discusses the impact of the media on body image and shares practical ways to combat negative body image. This talk is a great resource for those looking to understand the cultural and societal factors that contribute to negative body image.

Body Positive Power by Megan Jayne Crabbe – In this book, Crabbe shares her own story of overcoming disordered eating and diet culture and offers practical advice for embracing body positivity. This book is a great resource for those looking to break free from diet culture and learn to love and appreciate their body as it is.

You can also follow me on Instagram @jenmurphy.co for more inspiration and tips on spirituality, personal growth, and wellness.