Increase Your Body Image with these 8 Simple Steps

Lisa Franchi March 28, 2014

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Do you hate many things about your body? Are you not happy with the way you look? Do you ever wish you were somebody else? Do you wish you could be more beautiful like your favourite TV star? When you look at your image in the mirror, do you feel disappointed?

If your answer to all these questions is “Yes”, chances are, you have poor body image. Having a poor body image can take a huge toll on your life, health and relationship. When you hate your body, you also tend to hate yourself. This has a domino effect on your well-being and social relationship. It makes you feel insecure and diffident. In turn, insecurities and lack of confidence prevent you from doing many things that have the potential of making you feel happy. When you have poor body image, you become afraid of entertaining new people in your life, thinking that they might not like you. You become hesitant of attending social gatherings, thinking that people may just laugh at you or ignore you. You just choose to settle on the life you have now, because you no longer have the self-belief that you can be better.

Yes, poor body images can turn many areas of your life into grey. But the good news is that there’s something you can do about it. Improving the way you look at yourself doesn’t always require big changes. Often, taking small, even tiny steps work best in building a positive body image.

Here are small ways that can help boost your body image.

Appreciate your body.

The first step involves seeing your body in a more positive light. Bear in mind that you are endowed with a fully functioning body that works 24-hours a day to keep you breathing and moving, and to keep you alive. You have a wonderful body that is capable of doing many things and changing things. Consider the amazing things your body helps you do. When you love your body, you will be surprised to see how easy you could incorporate healthy habits that can help you improve your shape, feel better, and look awesome. Constantly hating your body, on the other hand, doesn’t do you any good.

Shut up that negative voice within.

Do you always hear him or her saying “Hey, you’re so fat! Look at you, you look awful!” We all have a critical self within. That’s what we have adopted from our ancestors. During those days being self-critical is necessary for survival. But today, we don’t need much of it.  Make friends with your critical self and learn how to silent it when it’s not needed. Whenever you hear those negative voices again, remind yourself that you have a precious body that is capable of doing things and changing things.

Make an effort to look your best each day.

Avoid the habit “save it for a better day”. You can look awesome every single day, if you allow yourself. Don’t wait for the figures in the scale to go down or for that perfect occasion before you put on a beautiful dress. Indulge in a long, warm bath, apply an extra layer of lotion before bed, and spend several minutes doing your daily beauty regimen. It’s not a waste of time and money to take good care of your body.

Love exercise because it’s good for your body.

Many people exercise to lose weight. That’s good. But your primary reason for working out should be to improve your health and nourish your body. When your goals are more than to have a slimmer figure, you will feel more motivated to exercise and won’t feel discouraged or disappointed whenever those figures seem like they’re not moving down. Exercise helps you build a positive image in many ways, one of which is that it makes you feel good. When you break a sweat, your brain releases feel-good chemicals that uplift your spirits.

Compliment yourself each day.

When you focus on the bad side, you’re just making it harder for yourself to boost your image. Congratulate yourself for finishing a difficult task. Appreciate your new hairstyle, your outfit for today, or how you are able to get through a stressful week. Some days it’ll feel like you have zero nice things to say to yourself, but even something as seemingly minor as going home from work early on a Friday counts. Acknowledge that you have done a great job. Acknowledge that you are trying to be kinder to yourself. Practise self-care today.

Reconnect with your body.

A good body image starts from feeling good within. Schedule at least once a week to do what you want – that activity that relaxes you, makes you feel relieved, increases your creativity, and inspires you. And consider that time as non-negotiable as an appointment with your doctor, an urgent meeting at the office, or an important event you can’t miss. Whether it’s baking, sketching, swimming, gardening, or travelling you like – do things that reconnect you with your body. This can significantly boost your sense of well-being, which then contributes to a positive self image.

Practise healthy ways to cope.

If you’re problem is losing weight, consider methods that can give you good, long-term results without putting harm on yourself, instead of turning inward and bashing your body or engaging in disordered eating behaviours. Don’t stress yourself searching for programmes or spending money on weight loss pills. There are only three things you should focus on to achieve a leaner body – eat right, exercise, and get enough rest and sleep.

Disconnect to connect.

The more you scroll down your newsfeed, the more you are likely to feel bad about your body image as you see those photos of your friends or other people wherein they seem to look good. There’s nothing wrong with using the social media. But you have to set limits. If those posts and pictures your friends upload are no longer making you feel good, close your browser right away. By disconnecting yourself from the things that pull down your body image, you are reconnecting with yourself.

Building a better body image is possible through simple acts that focus on self-care and compassion. Appreciate your body, silent your inner critical voice, don’t wait for that special day or moment to look good (make it a daily habit!), make exercise a way to nourish your body, compliment yourself, reconnect with your body, practise healthy ways to cope, and disconnect to connect for a better self image.

Which among these steps do you practise on a daily basis? Do you think it is contributing to your self-esteem and confidence? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to post a comment below.