Say Yes to Body Acceptance
So we know that food, exercise
and stress play major parts in a healthy lifestyle, but there is another
component that is also vital-body acceptance. Without some level of body
acceptance, the other 3 components will be affected and not in a good way. If
you are constantly comparing yourself to others and/or always thinking,
"If I just lost 10 pounds, I'd be happy." you are going to be
stressed out, most likely exercise in ways that you hate and have an unhealthy
relationship with food. Body acceptance is one of those concepts that is easier
said than done and you don't have to love your body 100%, you just have to
accept what you can't change, try to change what can realistically be changed and
change your thinking to focus on qualities other than your body.
What are some ways that you
can start learning to accept your body?
The number on the scale is
just that a number. It doesn't define your intelligence, compassion, integrity,
courageousness, sense of humor, passion, patience, optimism and/or strength.
These are the qualities that make you unique and lovable so embrace them.
This goes hand and hand with
treat yourself, as you would treat others. Would you call someone fat/ugly/unworthy
to their face? Probably not, but we constantly look in the mirror and talk that way to ourselves. Look in the mirror and talk
nicely, pointing out the positives and more importantly, why they are pluses.
Don't hold onto clothes that
you will never wear again or feel like you have to wear the latest fashion
trend. Instead wear clothes that fit YOUR body, are comfortable and make YOU
feel pretty. Work with your body, not against it.
You might not be the size or
weight that you want to be, but your body gravitates to the weight it works best at. Focus on what your body can do, not
what it looks like.
Just because someone looks a certain way in a magazine, movie, etc., doesn't mean it's real
(or even realistic). Instead of being critical of yourself, be critical of the
images you see that have photo shopped or airbrushed. And take a social media vacation!
Don't be obsessed with
calories and hours at the gym. Learn to relax around food, eat all foods
(provided you like them and aren't allergic) and find
ways to move your body that you find fun.
Actions speak louder than
words, so be the example you want others to follow. Being positive about your
body shows confidence and a love for life.
It's
time to stop your negative thinking about your body and enjoy life. As Ferris
Bueller said "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look
around once in a while, you could miss it."