How To Start Loving Your Body As It Is

Loving your body is easier said than done. For many of us, it’s a constant struggle to accept our flaws. This is often fueled by the unrealistic expectations of culture and society. Comments from friends, families, and even doctors can influence your body image. Yet, the most important voice is your own – so don’t let it work against you.

Why You Need To Love Your Body

Your body image impacts your overall health. According to the Journal of Health Psychology, a negative outlook is linked to poor quality of life and impaired functioning. It contributes to poor health-related behaviors, making it hard to achieve overall wellness.¹

Negative body image even affects physical health. Body dissatisfaction increases inflammatory proteins while decreasing anti-inflammatory ones. The result is inflammation, the reason behind so many chronic diseases.²

Developing a positive body image takes time. It might even be a lifelong process – and that’s okay. Start by learning how to stop bad mouthing your body and loving it.

Why Do We Hate Our Bodies?

If you listen closely, our society sends messages that harm body image. Women with curves are categorized as “fat” or “plus sized.” A new weight loss trend pops up every day. Anti-aging products suggest getting older is a terrible fate, simply by being called “anti-aging.” There’s makeup to fill your brows, plump your lips, and emphasize your cheekbones. At its core, these products suggest that your body isn’t good enough. But thankfully, it’s totally possible to shift your mindset.

Ways To Stop Hating Your Body

1. Recognize Media’s Secrets

Start with the source. The media we consume is flooded with “perfect” bodies, faces, and lives. Remind yourself that none of this is real. Technology and re-touching are very, very powerful. Every single person that you see has flaws and struggles – just like you.

2. Acknowledge Your Body’s Capabilities

Instead of focusing on what your body looks like, look at what your body does. It breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. It gets you from point A to point B. If you’re a woman, it gets ready to make a baby every month. Now, isn’t that impressive?

3. Challenge Your Body

Try new things to see what else your body can do! Take a dance class or attempt a new yoga pose. You won’t become a pro overnight, but you’ll be surprised at what your body can do if you let it.

4. Notice The Diversity

The “ideal” image of beauty is very narrow. Bodies come in countless shapes and sizes. Acknowledge how real people look and the diversity among them.

5. Stop Comparing Yourself

Comparing yourself to someone else is a toxic habit. This disregards everything your body can do. More importantly, it suggests that your life ought to be measured by someone else’s standards.

6. Focus On What You Like

Don’t look for “flaws” in your body. Instead, look for features to highlight. Notice them every single day and appreciate them.

7. Wear What Makes You Feel Good

If it makes you feel awesome, go ahead and wear it. Don’t worry if it’s not trendy or “cool.” There are so many fashion do’s and don’ts, but go ahead and break these rules as long as what you wear makes you feel good.

8. Stay Active

Regular exercise boosts self-esteem. Endorphins, the happy hormones produced by your body during exercise, will make you feel good both physically and mentally.³ Again, it’s another way to impress yourself with your body’s ability.

9. Personalize Health Goals

There isn’t one way to be healthy. Diverse bodies mean diverse lifestyles and that’s what makes humans so special. Remind yourself that there is no “perfect” body type. What’s healthy for someone else might not be healthy for you.

These tips are just the beginning. Loving your body takes time, patience, and hard work. It’s a lifelong work in progress, and it’s up to you to control it.