Three Ways to Improve Body Image
By Lisa DePaul, LPC
Body image is defined as one’s thoughts, perceptions, and attitudes about their physical appearance. The way that we perceive our bodies can fluctuate day to day and can be triggered by stress and other external pressures. The post-holiday season can be especially difficult due to New Year’s resolutions that revolve around food, weight, and changing our physical appearances. If you find yourself struggling, here are a few tips to improve body image:
1. Overhaul Your Social Media
On a daily basis, we are inundated with highly edited images of people on social media. Due to the consistent bombardment of these unrealistic standards, we can be left feeling inadequate and uncomfortable in our own skin. Increase awareness of the accounts that you are following on social media. Do they only portray a certain body type? Do they make you feel bad about your own body? Perhaps try unfollowing these accounts, and see if it makes a difference in how you feel.
Once you’ve gotten rid of the unhelpful stuff, it’s time to seek out the good. Follow body-positive or body neutral influencers.
You may even realize that what you need is a total social media detox.
2. Show Your Body Appreciation
When we get caught up in what we don’t like about our bodies, we often forget about all of the really amazing things our bodies do for us. We often take for granted all of the wondrous things that our body does for us on a day to day basis. On the days when you are really struggling with your body image, take a moment to write down all of the impressive and helpful things that your body can do. For example, right now, your body is involved in an intricate exchange with the air around you to help you breathe.
3. Explore and Challenge Your Thinking
Bring awareness to your thoughts about your body. Start journaling or writing down your negative thoughts about yourself and your body. After identifying these thoughts, you can begin to challenge them. Is it your voice or someone else's voice that you hear? If it is someone else's voice, whose voice is it? Are these statements based on fact or opinion? What evidence is there to suggest that they are true? After this inquiry, we can replace these thoughts with more positive, productive thoughts, like appreciation for what your body is doing for you.
Learn more tips to improve your body image in our Teen Body Image Group. Reserve your spot today!
Lisa DePaul, LPC