Now I know that this can be a sensitive subject for a lot of us, but that’s why we’ve got to keep talking about it.
I have been insecure about my body for most of my life and I do believe that my insecurities have had a negative impact on my mental health.
I’ll go first. I want to be more muscular. My metabolism really is winning right now. There – I said it. Now you go!
Freedom from body image struggles comes when we all start being more honest about it.
I hate to admit it, but social media is partly to blame in my body concerns. Social media makes it seem like we have to have an hourglass figure or a 6-pack and muscles to be viewed as attractive. We are expected to believe that this is true beauty and that this is peak attractiveness when it is not.
True beauty is loving yourself unconditionally and not caring what anyone thinks about you.
Of course we all know this, but why is so dang hard?
This past year I have been working on my negative thought process to try and replace it with a more positive thought process. If someone constantly talked about us in a negative way, we would not want to be around them or associate ourselves with them, so why do we continue to put up with the gremlin that lives in our minds? It is time to evict that negative thought process and welcome in a positive mindset with open arms.
There are so many different ways to start your body positivity journey. First, you can start by saying positive affirmations to yourself every day. I have started this recently and I honestly think it is helpful. I downloaded the “I am – Daily Affirmations” app onto my phone and it sends me affirmations to say to myself multiple times throughout the day.
You can also start complimenting others around you. A small act of kindness can go a long way for someone who might be feeling down. Compliment their hair, their outfit, their nails, anything that might make their day and yours as well.
Or, even better – compliment them on their attitude are certain characteristics or qualities. You’re brave. You’re adventurous. You’re so organized. You have the power to make the world a better place, one small compliment or affirmation at a time.
Another important practice is to stop comparing yourself to others. No one on this entire planet is the same. We are all our unique and at the end of the day, comparing ourselves to others is only going to hurt us in the end. You are strong, you are kind, and you are beautiful. Believe it. Own it. And spread the love.
If you’re fired up about anything you read here, join the NAU Body Positivity Club and help change the culture on campus and in our community. And, if you’re struggling in this area of your life, meet with a UCAN Health Coach to learn other ways to ditch negative body thoughts while embracing sustainable forms of self-care.