With the vast media coverage of body image, weight loss transformations, the ever so trending hashtag “body goals” as well as many other trending topics. Many can lose sight of the positive view of their body image and how it is in its present state. The idea of what a positive body image looks like differs from one person to the other. For one person, it could look like showing off their curves in revealing clothing; for another, it could look like wearing baggy clothing to ensure the utmost comfort. How one becomes comfortable with loving and appreciating, their body depends on their mindset. Finding on how your mindset and the shifting of your mindset can offer the tools to maintain a positive body image is extremely important. Here are five tips to help you maintain a positive and healthy body image regardless of outside influences.
- Less Comparison, More Compliments
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Often, people tend to see others with traits they wish they possessed themselves and continually compare themselves to others. This is very much a learned behavior and has become a societal norm. If fewer people said these comparisons out loud and more people gave admired compliments, there would be less of a lack in positive body image. Often, helping other people feel good makes you feel good, and constant comparisons leave no room for self-love. Reflecting negative thoughts of self onto others encourages you to dwell on unhealthy body image and forget the things you like about yourself! You can nurture your well being by comparing less and complimenting more. When you put good in, you get good out!
- Realize There Isn’t A Perfect Body Type
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Little to no waist, thick hips: the most popular fitness goal. Although having this goal in mind is okay, it fogs up the idea that one body type reigns supreme. Many people don’t have the physical means to reach this body type and feel insecure because of it. When shifting your mindset to think about how you can enhance the shape you already have, you move toward a more positive direction.
- Treat Your Body Like The Temple It Is
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Do more things that your body will appreciate, which can be anything from taking a bubble bath to taking your vitamins! Regular diet and exercise are also proven to help promote better self-esteem, and healthy habits cause positive change. Seeing all the amazing things your body can do physically makes one genuinely appreciate their body even more.
- Recognize Insecurities Can Misconstrue the View You Have of Yourself
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Sometimes, your mind can play tricks on you. The negative influences social media has on the people who use it tend to be more self-conscious than those who don’t. Try to shut down the voices in your head that compare and tell you your body is not “right” by surrounding yourself with positive people, recognizing that beauty is not solely skin deep, and looking in the mirror and reminding yourself of all the traits you love about yourself and addressing the positives aspects of things you sometimes feel insecure about.
- Be Confident In A Way That Works For You
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Wear clothes that provide your body comfort and work with your shape instead of against it. Keep your head held high and acknowledge that you have nothing to be ashamed about. Look at yourself as a whole person, not just a body. When you recognize the positive, amazing traits, you possess the magnitude of your self-image expands.
Self-love and positive body image go hand in hand. It’s essential to have a positive image about yourself because having negative thoughts can hold you back in pursuing many endeavors. Although this list may not guarantee, a total shift in the way you look at yourself, it’ll at least give you some tips to help improve your confidence and help start up a more consistent practice of self-love.