Do you ever struggle with body positivity? I think for many of us this is a pretty tough subject. Often, despite our best efforts to love our bodies for what they are, we still can’t get there. I have some good moments, when I have just finished working out or I have been particularly diligent about focusing on healthy living…I’ll look in the mirror and think, “Wow, you look great today!” But, on the flip side, I also have those super down moments, when despite my best efforts, I am still not happy with my body. I’ll find something to harp on – anything from the size of my waist to the color of my hair – and just be totally focused on what to change. It happens to all of us, but it becomes a problem when we are only able to focus on the negative. I work pretty hard to make sure I find the best balance that I can and that means finding more ways to be proud of my body. Interested in coming along for a positivity journey like this? Let’s take a look at four ways to feel more proud of our bodies together.
4 Ways to Feel More Proud of Your Body
Turn to exercise for a mood booster. It’s easy to look in the mirror and be unhappy with what you see. It’s also easy to continue to bring yourself down because of it. Rather than turning to food or another unhealthy habit, change your mood and your feelings about your body by hitting the gym. It’s instantly transformational when it comes to turning a bad mood into a good one. Getting those endorphins going will not only help lift your spirits, but your body will thank you too. You’re getting stronger and faster and bringing out your inner athlete.
Practice gratitude when it comes to all the things you’re able to do because of your amazing body. When you have a body that allows you to go for a run, travel, go to work, hit the gym, chase after your kiddos, walk the dog, visit with friends and family etc. you should appreciate everything it does for you. It may not look exactly the way you’d like it to, but it works and it gives you the happy and fulfilled life you have. Be happy. Be thankful. And, be proud that you’re able to do anything you set your mind to because of your body.
Don’t judge, motivate. When you start to veer off the path of healthy and holistic living, don’t break yourself down or judge your body for its current state. Instead, motivate to get back on track. You need more exercise – inspire yourself. You need to develop better eating habits or stop drinking so much – do it. Your body only has you to rely on and it’s up to you to be the inspiration and motivation to treat it with the utmost respect.
Put the scale away. Sometimes we all need a break from the scale. It can make you feel like a million bucks one day and the next day bring you down like nothing else. It’s a powerful tool – sometimes great for driving success, but it also has the power to make you feel absolutely terrible about yourself. So, take a scale break. Hide it in a closet or in the basement for a month or two and just live. You’ll feel so free – there are hardly any words to describe what a relief it is to part ways, even if just for a short time. Let it go and let your body have a moment without judgement. You’ll thank yourself for this one.
Your self-worth should never be based on your looks or weight, but rather on the size of your heart and how you contribute to this world. Be the best you can be – from the inside. Share your smarts and your humor and everything people love about you. No one is perfect, remember that. And, we all have those moments of self-judgement. Only you have the power to remind yourself that your body does not define you. Can you incorporate some of these body-positive strategies into your life?
