Solutions for a Better Body Image

I often work with people who dislike their bodies. They are either “too fat”, “too thin”, “big hips”, “big thighs” etc etc. The list continues. People tend to feel more comfortable talking about what is wrong with their body, rather than what is right. Here are some pointers to help you make peace with your body.

Consider the deeper role that body image plays in your life. What factors (key events, experiences, and social interactions) have contributed to your negative body image?

Think back to when you’re your body image started to really bother you. What other things were going on in your life at that time? What stressors, emotions, and thoughts about yourself were you dealing with?

Make a commitment to develop a healthy relationship with your body.

Learn to tolerate negative body image without acting on your feelings.

Begin to establish a new and healthy relationship with your body where you are able to appreciate your body for reasons other than just appearance.

Stop checking behaviors (weighing yourself daily, looking at your appearance in the mirror)

Eliminate negative body talk. Would you say these comments to a friend? Are these comments true? Are the helpful in building your self–esteem? Practice counteracting negative self-talk.

Improve your sense of self-worth. Weight related self evaluation leads to and maintains very low self-esteem in general. Low self-esteem contributes to depression, anxiety, isolation, lack of confidence and a host of other problems.

Make a list of your positive traits and review them daily.

Separate your self-esteem from your weight and shape, by focusing on other areas of your life that are important to you. Complete a self-esteem pie chart with: weight/shape, family, job, friends, spirituality, creativity, hobbies, achievements, appearance, morals, and values as slices of the pie.