Almost everyone has something that they do not like about their body, something that makes them feel insecure. You might look in the mirror and see things that you do not find attractive or feel the urge to change. The truth is, learning how to feel better about your body is not an easy task and takes time and commitment. However, there are certain ways that you can start building up your self-image and start to love and accept yourself.
1. Start Getting Active
Getting active does not mean having to run miles on the treadmill every day or bulk up muscle at the gym. Getting active means physically doing things that take concentration and commitment. In fact, physical activity is one of the most well-studied ways for how to feel better about your body.
Research shows that physical activity not only helps improve self-esteem, but it also decreases anxiety and depression. It also provides a boost to cognitive functions. Even just 30 minutes of exercise a few days a week can make an impact on how you feel about yourself and your body.
2. Stand Up Tall
Even if you have to feign your level of confidence, just looking confident on the outside can start to help you learn how to feel better about your body. If you have a tendency to slouch or hunch your shoulders up close to your neck and ears, you might not look or feel very confident.
Standing up nice and tall with your chin elevated can, believe it or not, feel extremely empowering. Not only are you projecting self-assurance into the world for those around you to notice, but you might start feeling confident within yourself.
Also, a great way to improve your posture and self-confidence (while also engaging in physical activity) is through yoga, which teaches you to connect with, listen to, and be grateful for your body.
3. Make Healthy Dietary Choices
As cliche as it might sound, making healthy dietary choices can make you feel better inside and out. When you feel down about yourself, you might not make these choices or might be distracted from making them. However, an important part of learning how to feel better about your body is taking care of it.
You don’t have to completely change your diet in order to do this. Instead, think about a few healthy choices you’d like to swap in and commit to those decisions. As time goes on, you might find yourself more willing to add more healthy foods in. And don’t forget, staying hydrated is important for feeling energized and refreshed!
4. Plaster Positivity on Your Walls
You know all those positive and uplifting quotes you see people sharing on social media websites? Print off the ones that resonate with you and plaster them all over your walls at home and/or at work.
These quotes and images can be great reminders of your values, your strengths, and your goals. And, while you are at it, share these images with your friends and family. Let them know what these messages of positivity mean to you. You might be surprised to learn just how many other people are struggling to feel comfortable in their own skin.
5. Treat Yourself
Changing how you feel about your body is hard work. You are essentially committing to a more positive and realistic way of thinking about yourself. You are probably implementing a lot of lifestyle alterations and finding a health and wellness routine that works for you.
But all work and no play is pretty draining. You might even find yourself burning out more quickly than you would like. Remember, treating yourself is important! Don’t feel guilty over “cheating” on your diet by indulging in your favorite snack on a Friday night. You have worked hard for your reward. Besides, positive rewards reinforce positive thinking and behavior.
6. Size Doesn’t Matter
Dress sizes are nothing but numbers that place us into categories. They are ways for us to compare and contrast ourselves with others. While they’re practical for sizing clothing out, they can be harmful when you obsess over size itself.
We are all shaped differently, and that is okay! Wear the clothing size that fits the best and is the most comfortable for you. Whether you’re a size 6 or 16 (or somewhere below or above those numbers), let your clothing reflect your inner confidence. Size truly does not matter, and there will be people who find you beautiful no matter what.
7. Compare Yourself to No One
We are taught from young ages to compare ourselves to others. We observe others a lot in order to learn as we grow up. Unfortunately, this has a downside. When you constantly compare yourself to others, you might find yourself not feeling good enough.
When you notice you are comparing yourself to others and thinking you aren’t good enough, ask yourself “By whose standards am I not good enough?” Who is telling you that your body is unattractive? Chances are, it’s predominantly those pesky voices in the back of your head that arise after a lifetime of social comparisons.
Instead of admiring someone else’s body, start paying attention to the things you like about yours. Otherwise, your energy is being wasted.
8. Enjoy Doing Your Own Thing
Doing things you enjoy can be easier said than done, but it is worthwhile. Pursue that career you’re passionate about. Engage in hobbies that make you feel good about yourself. Find your tribe of like-minded individuals who love and support you no matter how you look.
Summing Up
These changes take time, and the process isn’t meant to be smooth. Learning how to feel better about your body starts with you accepting yourself for who you are, inside and out. Once that acceptance kicks into gear, you can really start building your positive self-image. As silly as it sounds, confidence is truly an attractive feature on a person.
