Ten Steps to Positive Body Image

This week is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. All week, check Newswire for eating disorder-related articles. 

A list cannot automatically tell you how to turn negative body thoughts into positive body image, but it can introduce you to healthier ways of looking at yourself and your body. 

The more you practice these new thought patterns, the better you will feel about who you are and the body you naturally have. Here are 10 ways you can help feel better about you and your body:

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 top-ten 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 regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel. 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 you want others to 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 recognize 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. Work with your body, not against it. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. 
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, find a peaceful place outside to relax.
10. Help others. Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories and your weight to do something to help others. Sometimes reaching out to other people can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in our world.

(Content sourced from nedawareness.org)

Want to learn more?

The Pat Walker Health Center will host an eating disorder awareness event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26, in the Arkansas Union Connections Lounge. Stop by the event to learn more about the team and the resources available on campus.