Loving and accepting your body unconditionally is integral to your personal happiness. But sometimes, your insecurities and instances of self-criticism can get in the way of full body acceptance. You tend to resent yourself from having love handles or having arms and legs that are fuller than what you've been conditioned to think to be attractive, and you may beat yourself up for having tiny wrinkles on your face. You may pick on your flaws and dwell too much on body image negativity.
The thing that you have to keep in mind is you're not alone in this. A lot of people have body image issues. Many find it challenging to love their bodies and accept it for what it is. This usually results in anxiety, nervousness, and at times, disordered eating.
The struggles that come alongside body dysmorphia are very real. Fortunately, with dedication, optimism, positive thinking, and perhaps some professional guidance, you can learn how to take charge of your happiness and love your body unconditionally. Here are some tips you can do on your journey to better body acceptance.
Take a look at what your body is capable of.
Take the time to remember all the wonderful things your body has done. Whether it's completing a marathon, dancing to your heart's content, or exercising without limitations, chances are, your body is capable of doing something marvelous. And even if you have limitations beyond your control, it's nothing to be ashamed of or angry about. Remind yourself that you are fortunate to have a body that is capable of doing so much.
Go on a social media cleanse.
When you spend time on social media, the things you see can contribute to your self-image issues. Scrolling through the highlight reels of other people may cause you to think negatively about your body and your life. It would be best if you spend less time on social media or cut it out completely, even for just a little while. Doing so will give you the chance to focus on yourself more and appreciate what you have.
Devote your time to feeling healthy and feeling good.
Instead of focusing on your external appearance and body ideals, create new goals that focus on being healthy and feeling good instead. You'll find that you'll be extra motivated to stay on track of your objectives if it's towards feeling good rather than looking good. You may also find that instead of criticizing every item on your plate, you’ll be consuming food that makes you feel your best, exercising to alleviate stress and anxiety, and developing an inner strength that helps you feel a sense of calm within.
Encourage yourself to think pleasant thoughts.
When you find yourself criticizing your body, turn it around and focus on the positive. Allowing yourself to speak negatively to your body will only lead to some scars. While practicing self-love is not easy for those struggling with body dysmorphia and self-acceptance, it's an essential step to achieving happiness. Try your best to avoid being overly critical and judgmental towards yourself. When a negative thought appears, replace it with positive affirmations. Put a stop to the toxic mindset and counteract it with self-love mantras. After all, happiness lies in working from the inside out.
The journey to self-acceptance is tough, but it can be done if you continue to work on it. Should you need help in learning to accept yourself and your body, practicing mindfulness, patience, and forgiveness, get in touch with Dalia Abott, a Registered Dietitian ready to provide you with professional support.