Seven Ways to Love Your Body - Golden Pen Empower Mature Health Blog

“I don’t have perfect teeth. I’m not stick thin. I want to be the person who feels great in her body and can say that she loves it and doesn’t want to change anything.”—Emma Watson

Are you obsessed with how you look?

Take this brief quiz to find out:

Which statement best describes how you feel about yourself:

I’m never satisfied with the way I look.
I’m sometimes happy with the way I look.
I’m always pleased with the way I look.

What would you like to change most about your body?
- Weight
- Muscle tone
- Body shape
- Skin changes
- Hair texture
- Complexion
- Posture and balance
- Other
Complete the following sentence:

I feel most insecure about my body when I

Get on the scale.
Look in the mirror.
Compare myself with others.

Complete the following sentence:

I weigh myself

Daily
Weekly
Less often than once a week

Which expression best describes how you feel?

Negative body image. (Example: “I look fat!”)
Balanced body image. (Example: “If I can’t change it, why worry?”)

If you frequently get discouraged over your body image—perhaps to the point of being obsessed, you might wonder why this is the case.

There could be several reasons why you have a negative body image, but three reasons include:

Influence of the media
Power of close friends.
Low self-esteem.

But, whatever your reasons, STOP IT!

Loving your body is an essential aspect of self-acceptance and overall well-being.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey toward self-love is unique, and embracing and appreciating your body may take time.

Need help??

This article will share seven (7) ways to love your body now and into the future.

No. 1

Practice self-acceptance: Recognize that your body is unique and has its strengths and limitations.

Embrace the fact that nobody is perfect, and that includes your body.

Accepting yourself as you are is the first step toward loving your body.

Tips to Self-Acceptance:

Acknowledging Imperfections: Accepting that you are not perfect and that everyone has shortcomings, mistakes, and flaws.
Embracing Individuality: Recognizing and valuing your unique qualities, quirks, and differences as part of what makes you who you are.
Overcoming Self-Criticism: Reducing self-criticism and negative self-talk by being more compassionate and forgiving towards yourself.
Letting Go of Comparisons: Avoiding unhealthy comparisons with others, as comparing yourself to others can often lead to feelings of inadequacy.
Setting Realistic Expectations: Understanding your limitations and setting realistic goals and expectations for yourself.
Seeking Growth: While accepting yourself as you are, self-acceptance does not mean complacency. It also includes a willingness to work on self-improvement and personal growth.
Cultivating Self-Compassion: Practicing self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend in difficult times.

Self-acceptance is a journey and can be challenging, especially in a world that often places unrealistic standards and expectations on individuals.

It is essential for mental and emotional well-being and can lead to greater self-esteem, reduced stress, improved relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

Self-care practices are some ways people can work on developing greater self-acceptance.

No 2:

Challenge negative self-talk: Pay attention to the way you talk to yourself. Negative self-talk can be damaging to your self-esteem and body image.

When you catch yourself being critical, try to reframe your thoughts in a more positive and compassionate light.

Tips to Challenge Self-Talk:

Identify the Negative Self-Talk: Start by becoming aware of your self-talk. Pay attention to the thoughts that go through your mind, especially when feeling stressed, anxious, or down. Write them down if it helps.
Challenge Cognitive Distortions: When you identify negative self-talk, ask questions like: What is the evidence for or against this thought? Is there a more balanced way to look at the situation?
Reframe Negative Thoughts: Replace negative self-talk with more realistic, balanced, positive thoughts.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind and understand yourself with the same compassion and support you would offer a friend facing a similar situation.
Use Affirmations: Create positive affirmations that counteract your negative self-talk. These short, powerful statements can help you focus on your strengths and goals.
Visualization: Imagine a scenario in which you succeed and visualize it in detail, which can help boost your self-confidence and challenge self-doubt.
Keep a Thought Journal: Document your negative self-talk and the situations that trigger it. Over time, you can identify patterns and work on specific areas.
Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, which reinforces positive self-talk and self-esteem.

No. 3

Surround yourself with positive influences: Spend time with people who support and uplift you.

Avoid those who bring you down or make you self-conscious about your body.

Tips to surround yourself with positivity.

Self-awareness: Start by reflecting on your values, goals, and the type of people you want to be surrounded by. Understanding your own needs and aspirations is essential before seeking positive influences.
Evaluate Current Relationships: Take an honest look at your existing relationships. Identify which are positive and contribute to your well-being and which may be toxic or draining and need to be cut loose.
Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries with people who may harm your life. Limit your exposure to negativity and make space for more positive influences.
Seek Like-Minded Individuals: Look for people who share your values, interests, and aspirations. Join clubs, organizations, or social groups that align with your goals.
Online Communities: Join online communities, forums, or social media groups focused on personal growth and positivity. Engage in discussions and learn from like-minded individuals.
Practice Positivity: Be a positive influence on others. When you radiate positivity, you’re sure to attract other like-minded individuals.

No. 4

Practice self-care: Taking care of your body is a form of self-love.

Taking care of your body includes eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and getting enough rest.

Treat yourself with kindness and respect by prioritizing your physical and mental well-being.

Tips to Self-Care:

Prioritize self-care: Recognize the importance of self-care and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine. Treat it as a vital aspect of your overall health and well-being.
Establish a routine: Create a daily or weekly self-care routine with activities and practices that help you relax and recharge.
Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body and mind to rest and rejuvenate.
Eat a balanced diet: Fuel your body with nutritious foods that provide the energy and nutrients you need to function optimally.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain proper bodily functions and overall health.
Exercise regularly: Engage in physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s going for a walk, practicing yoga, or hitting the gym. Exercise is an excellent way to relieve stress and boost your mood.
Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine to reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve emotional well-being.

No. 5

Be mindful of the media’s influence. Be aware of unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media.

Remember that these standards are often unattainable and do not define your self-worth.

Limit exposure to media promoting negative body image and focus on content that celebrates diversity and body positivity.

Tips to limit exposure to media:

Set Boundaries: Establish specific times during the day when you will check or engage with media during the day. For example, allocate 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening for catching up on news or social media.
Turn off Notifications: Disable non-essential notifications on your devices, which will help reduce the constant stream of information and interruptions.
Create Media-Free Zones: Designate specific areas of your home, such as the bedroom or dining room, as media-free zones, which can help you disconnect and focus on other activities.
Unfollow or Unsubscribe: Review your social media accounts and news subscriptions. Unfollow or unsubscribe from sources that contribute to stress or anxiety. Choose to follow accounts that share positive and meaningful content.
Practice Mindfulness: Develop mindfulness techniques to stay present and reduce the urge to constantly check your phone or engage with media.

Remember, the goal is not to eliminate media from your life but to strike a balance that helps you stay informed and entertained without negatively impacting your mental and emotional well-being.

Find a media consumption routine that works for you and helps you maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

No. 6

Embrace your body’s abilities: Instead of focusing on appearance, focus on what your body can do.

Appreciate your body’s strength, flexibility, and resilience.

Engage in activities that make you feel good and help you positively connect with your body.

Tips to Embrace Your Body’s Abilities:

Meditation: Mindful meditation encourages you to focus on your breath, bodily sensations, and the present moment. This practice can help you become more aware of your body.
Yoga: Yoga involves physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It not only promotes physical fitness but also enhances body awareness.
Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a martial art that involves slow, flowing movements. It helps improve balance, flexibility, and body awareness.
Dance: Dancing is a beautiful way to connect with your body. It allows you to express yourself through movement and be more aware of your boy’s capabilities.
Breathwork: Practicing various breathing techniques, like diaphragmatic breathing or breath control exercises, can deepen your connection to your body and reduce stress.
Massage: Receiving a massage can enhance your awareness of your body’s sensations, relieve tensions, and promote relaxation.
Nature Walks: Taking a leisurely walk out in nature can help you become more mindful of the sensations in your body and the environment around you.
Listening to Your Body: Simply taking moments throughout the day to pause and check in with your body can help you become more aware of its needs and signals.

The key is to find activities that resonate with you and make you more aware of your body, helping you foster a stronger mind-body connection.

No. 7

Dress in a way that makes you feel confident: Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your body.

Very important!

When you feel good about how you look, it can boost your self-esteem.

Tips for dressing confidently:

Know Your Style: Understand your style, which can be classic, trendy, bohemian, preppy, or a combination of techniques. Knowing what you feel most comfortable and stylish in will boost your confidence.
Dress for Your Body Type: Choose clothing that complements your body shape. You’ll feel more confident when your clothes fit well and flatter your figure.
Quality Over Quantity: Invest in a few high-quality, versatile pieces that can mix and match with other items in your wardrobe. Quality clothing often looks and feels better, boosting your confidence.
Wear Your Favorite Colors: Colors can significantly impact your mood and confidence. Wear colors that make you feel happy and confident. Different colors evoke different emotions, so choose those that uplift you.
Comfort Is Key: Make sure your clothing is comfortable. Clothes that are too tight, loose, or uncomfortable can make you self-conscious.
Plan Ahead: Take some time to plan your outfits, so you don’t feel rushed or flustered when getting ready, which can help you choose the right pieces and create a stylish look.
Stand Tall. Good posture can instantly make you appear more confident. Stand up straight, shoulders back, and head held high.
Own Your Style: Confidence comes from within. No matter what you’re wearing, own it with confidence. Walk and carry yourself with self-assuredness.
Smile: A genuine smile is one of the most potent confidence-boosters. When you feel good, you look good.

Remember that confidence is about feeling comfortable and positive about yourself.

While clothing can help, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Building confidence also involves self-acceptance, self-love, and positive self-esteem.

So, there you have it!

In this article, you have learned Seven Ways to Love Your Body: (1) Practice self-acceptance, (2) Challenge negative self-talk, (3) Surround yourself with positive influences, (4) Practice self-care, (5) Be mindful of media influence, (6) Embrace your body’s abilities, and (7) Dress in a way that makes you feel confident.