Developing a More Positive Body Image
having a negative body image has become a common practice for many of us. Despite knowing it’s not a healthy practice, it’s tough to avoid – especially since there’s so much to look at on social media. The desire to “fit in” and measure up to what people see as the “perfect body” can significantly increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.
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However, there is no need to feel pressured to conform; instead, focus on maintaining a positive body image in conjunc- tion with a well-balanced diet and exercise. There are plenty of self-esteem boosters to incorporate into your daily life too. If you feel like the pressure is too much to handle on your own, seek an eating disorder treatment to help you turn your perspective around and feel more confident about your body.
Focusing on the Positives
Negative Perception Due to Peer Pressure Peer pressure can play a part in how you feel about your-
self. Friends may be envious of how one another looks and try to compete to feel better about themselves. In reality, this can make you feel worse because you’re constantly comparing yourself to someone else, and everyone is built differently.
very day we see hundreds of images of people in television, movies, advertisements, and our own community. It is very easy to fall into the trap of comparing oneself to others, and
Writing the Good List Focus on the things you like about yourself. They don’t have to
have anything to do with how you look. Maybe you like your sense of humor, your ability to peel an apple in one long strand, or how you speak two languages. Loving yourself goes a long way – and that means all parts of yourself.
What You Can Do, I Can Too Appreciate your body for all that it can do. Running, swim- ming, dancing, swinging, and climbing with your kids on the playground. Having all your fingers, senses, limbs and organs is a gift. You may feel like you don’t have the perfect look, but it doesn’t stop you from doing amazing things.
Positive Mindset from Positive Stories Take some time each day to read uplifting books or articles that
make you feel good about yourself. Keep a journal of quotes you find inspiring to boost your mood and self-esteem. Seek out feel- good stories that remind you that people have empathy, compas- sion, and goodness at heart. It’s okay to avoid some of the negative news going around.
Cutting Down on Digital Hours
Online Time and Weight Gain Spending too much time online can alter the body image you have of yourself and increase your risk of developing an eating dis-
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