How to Feel More Comfortable With Your Body

Almost everyone struggles with body image. Regardless of your actual size or shape, chances are that there is at least one area of ​​your body that is bothering you. Your relationship with your body is a huge and complex (and political) topic, but there are many practical and effective ways to start improving it.

Admit that you are your own worst enemy.

I recently complained to my beautician about a mild flare-up of rosacea, and she said, “Just remember that no one sees your skin the way you do. You behave more severely than anyone else. ” Her comment stopped me because I realized that it applied to the whole body. Nobody else sees your body the way you see it. No one is as cruel or critical of your body as you are. This can be a surprisingly liberating awareness.

Forgive yourself

For most people, body image can be a slippery road. You make one mistake in your diet, training, or the way you feel about your body, and you think, “Well, I think it’s all messed up now, so I can stop trying.” It goes without saying that this is truly a useless way of thinking. Just because you’ve mistreated your body in the past doesn’t mean you need to continue to mistreat it. Forgive yourself for unhealthy behavior and focus on making healthier and more positive choices in the future.

Build a solid foundation

This may sound simplistic, but one of the best ways to feel better is to take good care of him. Here are some of the most important things you can do:

• The exercise. It’s not necessarily about losing weight; it’s about finding a way to move your body that you really like.
• Eat well. Don’t forget what you eat as well as how you eat. Take time to prepare a healthy and tasty meal for yourself (or prepare one for you). Eat less and enjoy your meal.
• To drink a lot of water.
• Sleep.
• Take proactive steps to reduce stress.

You already know all these things, but chances are that you don’t actually do it. The power of these fundamental tools cannot be underestimated. They can really have a huge impact on your relationship with your body.

Pamper your body

Beyond the basics, when was the last time you did something truly kind and caring for your body? When was the last time you slowed down and tried to truly connect with your body and treat it well? If you’re like most people, coming up with an answer is incredibly difficult. But the better you feel about your body, the better you feel about it. Here are some possibilities to consider:

• Get a massage or go to the spa.
• To take a bath.
• Go for a long walk in nature.
• Indulge in trendy body lotions or oils.
• Hire a personal trainer.
• Buy clothes that fit you well and make you feel good.

Be attentive to the media

Every day we are bombarded with images of the same bodies: thin, white, healthy and cisgender. Even if you rationally understand that bodies are infinitely more diverse than what we are exposed to, you still begin to develop subconscious expectations that your body should also look the same. If you do not want to live in a cave for the rest of your life, you cannot prevent yourself from seeing this “ideal” body image in all the media. But you can unsubscribe from Instagram accounts, stop buying magazines, and stop looking at celebrity photos that make you feel bad.

Compliment other people’s bodies

Take time to find the good in other people’s bodies throughout the day. Compliment them only to yourself. (Not out loud.) As I said, we are our own worst enemies when it comes to our body image, so chances are you find it much easier to find beauty in other people’s bodies than in your own. The act of seeking this beauty naturally helps you to appreciate diversity and develop a softer attitude towards the human body.

Talk to your body

One of my favorite tools for changing your relationship with your body is talking to your body. Check it out throughout the day. Compliment him. Talk to your body that you are trying to change your relationship with it. If you find yourself abusing your body, try an exercise I developed called the Five to One Body Conversation Rule. Every time you catch yourself saying something negative about your body, force yourself to stop at that moment and say five positive words about your body. This method was inspired by the work of the Gottmanns , two researchers who have studied for decades what makes romantic relationships work. They found that in healthy, long-term relationships, the balance consists of five positive statements for each negative one. I use the same balance for body conversations.

Touch your body

If you are uncomfortable with your body, you can do your best not to touch it. But this only reinforces the idea that something is wrong with your body. Instead, try touching your body daily. Take a little more time in the shower or apply some lotion. Learn some self-massage techniques. Place your hands on your body as you talk. Masturbate! If you can get to know and enjoy your body better, you will naturally begin to feel better about it.

Practice gratitude

Gratitude is a buzzword these days, but most people don’t apply it to their bodies. Try thinking for a few minutes every morning or evening about what you are grateful for in your body. For example, you have very cute toes. Or maybe you are grateful that you have never had any mobility issues. Practicing gratitude on a daily basis helps you understand that your relationship with your body isn’t just about how your body looks. This also applies to everything that your body does for you every day.

Read where you are

You don’t need to have a perfect relationship with your body; nobody does. It’s okay to be honest that your relationship with your body is a struggle. It’s okay to admit your insecurities, frustrations, fears, and bad days. Instead of making perfection your goal, think about effort. If you can make an active and consistent effort to improve your relationship with your body, even in the tough times you inevitably face, you will be far more successful than if you went for it hoping to feel 100%. sure 100% of the time.