1. Appreciate
all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your
dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you—running,
dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.
2. Keep
a list of things you like about yourself—things that aren’t related to how much
you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become
aware of more things to like about yourself.
3. Remind
yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. When you feel good about
yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence,
self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful. Beauty is a state of
mind, not a state of your body.
4. Look
at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your
mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as others see
you – as a whole person.
5. Surround
yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and
your body when you are around others who are supportive and who see the
importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are.
6. Shut
down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that
you are a “bad” person. You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive
ones. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up
with a few quick affirmations that work for you.
7. Wear
clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work
with your body, not against it.
8. Become
a critical viewer of social and media messages. Pay attention to images,
slogans, or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body.
Protest these messages: write a letter to the advertiser or talk back to the
image or message.
9. Do
something nice for yourself – something that lets your body know you appreciate
it. Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap or find a peaceful place outside to
relax.
10. Use
the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories,
and your weight to do something to help others. Reaching out to other people
can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change.
