If you haven’t heard of the body positive movement, here’s how it’s described on The Body Positive website.
We are creating a world in which people are liberated from self-hatred, value their beauty and identity, and use their energy and intellect to make positive changes in their own lives and in their communities.
While the movement was founded by two women, Connie Sobczak and Elizabeth Scott, who still run the ‘official’ organization, its ideas and ideals have been adopted and paraphrased by people around the world. We’ve mentioned the body positive movement more than once recently on the Herbal One blog, and none of the references were to the formal movement organization.
What Can ‘Body Positive’ Mean for You
You probably know someone who seems to be always full of energy. But even the busiest of us have only so much energy. Whether you’re a go-getter or a couch-surfer, once your energy is spent, we can’t do much else.
Everything you do, from taking a breath to running around the block, uses energy. And the stresses in your life, from everyday commutes to occasional personal crises, consume more energy than you might think.
For many overweight people, even a passing glance in the mirror can trigger the stress of anxiety and despair. In addition to all the negative feelings and emotions, that reaction saps your energy – energy that would be better spent on actually taking steps to make positive changes in your life.
By not wasting so much energy on the negativity, and channeling that energy to more positive and healthy attitudes and activities, you give yourself the opportunity to make the seemingly impossible changes you’ve always wanted to make. And those changes can lead to weight management success and better health and wellbeing.
9 Steps to a More Positive Body Image
1. Have Gratitude for Your Body
Think of everything you do every day, especially the simple pleasures your body lets you enjoy, like laughing, dreaming, dancing and simply playing your part in the world.
2. Make A Top 10 List of Everything You Like About Yourself
Go ahead. Give yourself permission to think positively about yourself and write down everything that comes to mind. Read the list often and add to it as you think of other things you like about you.
3. Remember that Real Beauty is More than Skin Deep
What society perceives as ‘beautiful’ has changed over the centuries. It’s why you don’t see any rail-thin models in classic paintings. So the beauty that you’re trying to achieve is really just a fashion trend. A truly beautiful person has always been beautiful.
4. Consider the Whole Package
You’re not just the sum of your body parts. So when you look in the mirror, don’t focus on any single part, but on the whole you, inside and out.
5. Get the Support You Need
If there are people in your life who, even unintentionally, manage to trigger negative feelings, try to find others from whom you get positive energy and support. Consider finding a personal trainer, nutritionist or analyst who can help you deal with your body image.
6. Filter Media Messages
The images and messages that you see on TV, in magazines or on the web can also trigger low self-esteem. Start seeing them for what they are, which are tools of marketing. Don’t be afraid to protest to advertisers and marketers when their messages make you feel badly.
7. Do Something Good for Others
Reach out to a friend who needs you, or volunteer at a local charity. Channeling your energy from food and a negative body image towards helping others can make you feel better about yourself.
8. Pamper Yourself
Get a massage. Do your nails. Or take a nap. Whatever it is, do something for yourself instead of trying to please others all the time. You’re worth it.
9. Take Care of Yourself
You are beautiful. Your body is an amazing thing. So start taking care of yourself by eating healthier, more nutritious foods, getting a little more activity and generally tending to your physical and emotional well-being.
No one list in a single blog post will instantly make you feel wonderful about yourself. It’s an ongoing process. If the only thing the list above does for you is to start you thinking about having a more positive body image, then it has done a lot. The nutritional consultants at your local Herbal One Centre can help too. Drop in or call them when you’re ready. They’ll be ready too.