10 Steps To Body Acceptance
No blog can heal negative body image in one fell swoop-and I don’t expect you to have body positivity all of the time- but these tips can get you on the right track to starting to see yourself in a healthier, more appreciative light. Like any muscle, the more you train it, the stronger it gets.
1) FEEL GRATITUDE FOR ALL THAT YOUR BODY DOES
Your body is hard at work 24/7 taking you where you need to go and doing some pretty metal stuff like dreaming, exercising, breathing, digesting, makin babies, etc. Say a quick lil thank you for showing up for you each and every single day.
2) REFRAME AUTOMATIC NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
Identify what thoughts come up for you around your self worth and appearance, and hack them to make you feel more positive. Affirmations can make a huge impact here.
3) REMEMBER THAT BEAUTY IS NOT ONLY SUBJECTIVE, BUT MORE COMPLEX THAN YOUR REFLECTION
The diet culture based beauty ideal was designed by the patriarchy. DOWN WITH IT! Not only is your weight the least interesting thing about you, throughout history and culture, the “ideal” body has differed drastically. Be the best YOU, that feels confident and magnetic- and THAT is real beauty.
4) BE VERY, VERY DISCERNING WITH THE PEOPLE, THINGS, AND MEDIA YOU LET INTO YOUR SPACE
Pay attention to the words and messaging you’re absorbing in fitness classes, on social media, or even from friends and family. Eliminate or set boundaries with anything that makes you feel worse about yourself- and don’t forget to counteract any negativity with an affirmation.
5) MAKE A LIST OF CONFIDENCE BOOSTERS TO REFER TO WHEN NEGATIVE THOUGHTS ARISE
Personally, on my phone, I screenshot every email, DM, text, and carrier pigeon you all send me thanking me for my work. It instantly makes me feel accomplished and worthy. This could also look like writing down compliments when you receive them (I’d avoid appearance based ones that associate worth with looks- and lean into ones more along the lines of “You are incredible at your job” or “ That was a really unique and valuable point of view”. Read it when you’re feeling bad for a pick me up- but check it during good/neutral times too as a healthy reminder.
6) FEEL INSPIRED BY THE PEOPLE CLOSEST TO YOU
Ever hear the phrase, you are who you spend the most time with? For better or for worse, our loved ones influence how we see ourselves and the world. Choose to spend your time with people who lift you up and empower you- people who remind you have inherently valuable you are NO. MATTER. WHAT..
7) SELF CARE. HEARD OF IT?
Cliche, for a reason. Do a little something nice for yourself for no other reason than you simply deserve nice things. Whether it’s a bath, a face mask, taking a personal day, or a restorative stretch class, TREAT YOURSELF.
8) TIME INTEGRITY AND PAYING IT FORWARD
Take a looong hard look at all the time you wasted scrolling instagram checking out profiles who made you feel bad about yourself, or staring forlornly at your reflection and decide to recycle that energy into something productive. Volunteer with NEDA, set a small, recurring donation to your favorite charity to automatically deduct from your bank account, foster a dog. Doing good feels good and will make you see yourself as the badass you are.
9) DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT
Studies show that when we feel good about the way we are put together, we feel more competent and capable. Clear out your closet of ill-fitting clothes or items from high school you’re hanging on to in hopes of making your adult, woman, busy boss body fit into a child’s jeans. Keep what makes you feel confident and vow to only buy clothes that make you feel incredible.
10) TALK TO YOURSELF THE WAY YOU’D TALK TO YOUR BESTIE
If you wouldn’t say it to your girls, don’t say it to yourself. While you’re at it- shut down diet talk and self-deprecation in conversation with your friends by calling them on it. I love the line: “Hey! Don’t talk about my friend like that!” when someone brings up negative body talk.
Conclusion
If you’re still having trouble, I also recommend taking the NEDA Eating Disorder Screening Tool to assess if you may need professional support navigating poor body image- and making sure your fitness routine isn’t triggering body shaming or negative self talk- Helen Phelan Studio is designed to give you an invigorating full body without the diet culture BS. Try HPS free for 10 days.