Is there something you don’t like about your body? Your body image is how you feel about yourself. Many people struggle to be happy with their body’s appearance, especially when surrounded by anti-aging products. But always focusing on how you look can be unhealthy. While you might think that your body parts aren’t attractive, they have nothing to do with who you are on the inside. A healthy body image means that you can accept the way you look.
It’s essential to remember that everyone differs in one way or another, which makes you unique. We all have different genetics, which affects our height, weight, and even the type of hair we have. The perfect body for you is the one that’s about being healthy, rather than counting calories. Plus, the models in magazines often have their appearance changed because of editing.
When you can’t stop thinking about your physical appearance, think about why you like your friends. Chances are, what you value from your friends is beyond how they look. You most likely appreciate the qualities of your friends, like how courageous or empathetic they are. There are small things you can do every day that might help you feel better about your appearance:
- Eat nutritious foods. One of the easiest ways to feel good about yourself is to nourish your body with nutrition. You might have heard of people going on diets to lose weight, but those diets can be tricky to maintain. A diet can leave someone without the nutrition they need to be healthy because they only eat certain food groups. You’re more likely to succeed when you regularly eat a variety of healthy foods. (And yes, there’s room for those delicious donuts, ice cream, and chocolate. Moderation is the name of the game!)
- Exercise. Your body will impress you after you see what you can do. If your workouts are fun, you’re more likely to stick to them in the long run. Also, it might be helpful to switch up your goals and not exercise for weight loss. You might get frustrated if you don’t lose weight and could deter you from working out.
- Remind yourself that everyone’s unique. It’s okay if you compare yourself to others now and then. But it’s essential to remind yourself how unique you are. Remember how genetics can make you different from others? So can your life experiences, childhood, friends, family, and influences.
- Wear your favorite clothes. Dressing up doesn’t have to be for special occasions only! It’s fun to find clothes that appeal to you and make you feel great about yourself. Why not clean up your closet and experiment with some clothes?
Our Bodies Aren’t Perfect
If you take some of the focus away from your body, you might enjoy life more. A healthy body can come in a range of different sizes and shapes. The relationships you have might change, but you will always stay with your body. As long as you’re taking care of your body, you’re on the right track!
