It’s totally normal and completely human to have negative body image. Sometimes they just creep in!
I know a list or a social media post isn’t going to wave a magic wand and turn your negative body thoughts into positive ones. But there are more neutral ways of looking at yourself and your body that you can implement. And the more you practice these new thought patterns, the better you will feel about yourself and your body.
4 Ways to Deal with Negative Body Image
Appreciate your body for what it can do!
Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you—breathing, laughing, dreaming, dancing, swimming, walking, etc. There are countless ways your body supports you. If you need help jump starting these positive thoughts, check out these Body Acceptance Journal Prompts.
Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body.
Wear what you love and ignore what anyone else has to say about it. You are not limited to black and baggy clothes (unless that’s your jam, then go for it!). Comfort is key.
Become critical of who you follow on social media.
Pay attention to images, captions, or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Then block, unfollow, or delete.
Be kind to yourself.
Self-care is crucial. Do something for yourself that lets your body know you appreciate it. Dance to your favorite song, take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, drink some water or get outside and soak up what’s left of the sunshine. In another blog, I share four simple self-care ideas!
Negative body image is so hard to work through, so here are some bonus affirmations to help you reframe a bad body image day! Whether you’re feeling unhappy with your body physically or emotionally (because of a negative comment from someone or some other triggering factor), the below affirmations can help you come back to your body and reframe your outlook 👇🏾
Bonus Affirmations
You see, by focusing on all the things your body is capable of doing—like experiencing the world, eating your favorite foods, and having fun with the ones you love the most, you will have a better chance of keeping those negative thoughts at bay!
How do you deal with negative body image? Comment below or come on over to my Instagram (@et.the.rd), and let me know!