By Sheena
Physical appearances have taken the spotlight in the modern era, defining how we perceive our own bodies and fueling the need to seek constant external validation. The emphasis on how one looks has become prevalent, largely due to the influence of social media and societal pressures.
So, in a world where physical appearances are often kept at the forefront, it becomes crucial to develop a positive relationship with your body by fostering a deep connection with your physical self.
Cultivating and sustaining a healthy body image will help you to live a happier life where you will be more content and confident from within. It is also essential for mental fitness and overall well-being. This article will explore the profound significance of nurturing a positive relationship with your body and some practical insights that can help you support this journey.
Practical Strategies to Maintain a Positive Relationship with Your Body
- Indulge in Body Appreciation
Developing an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for your body by considering the amazing activities that it can enable you to do is one way to reinforce a positive connection. Here are some tips you can follow to engage your mind in appreciating your body:
- Self-expression via fashion. For eg. buying and wearing clothes that flatter your body.
- Wear clothes that make you feel confident
- Consume media that celebrate body positivity
- Join online support groups to share your journey with people like you
- Address Negative Notions
There is a need to remember that your physical appearance has nothing to do with your worth. Harbouring negative thoughts about one’s body can affect mental fitness and can lead to body image issues. You should be conscious of social pressures that perpetuate impractical beauty standards, and focus on your inner qualities. You can counter negative thoughts by:
- Engaging in body-positive affirmations
- Surrounding yourself with body-positive influences
- Staying away from toxic people
- Unfollowing accounts on social media that promote unrealistic body image
- Practice Self-care
Self-care activities are critical for maintaining a healthy relationship with your body. Paying attention to the needs of your body and responding to them with compassion and care can help you cultivate a positive connection. You can focus on your entire well-being and practice self-care by:
- Eating nutritious foods
- Getting regular exercise
- Managing stress by doing activities that make you happy
- Engaging yourself in your hobbies
- Embrace Self-Acceptance
Along with self-care, self-acceptance is key to developing a positive body image. You need to recognize that your body is unique and deserving of love and respect, regardless of its shape, size or perceived flaws. Your focus should shift from external affirmation to appreciating your body for what it is. This can be accomplished through
- Focusing on your inner qualities
- Practising gratitude
- Appreciating your strengths and achievements
- Letting go of comparisons
- Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can assist you in developing a stronger connection with your body. Mindful practices may help you in developing physical awareness. Mindfulness enables you to pay attention to your body's signs and respond with compassion. Some of the mindfulness activities are listed below:
- Mindful movements such as yoga
- Spending time in nature
- Deep breathing and meditation
- Maintaining a gratitude journal specifically focused on your body
- Establish Realistic Expectations
One must realise that bodies exist in all shapes and sizes and that social beauty standards do not determine their worth. Instead of chasing unattainable standards, you should concentrate on nurturing your body and cultivating overall well-being. You can work on building realistic expectations by:
- Accepting the concept of body neutrality or admiring your body for its usefulness and health rather than its beauty
- Embracing your individuality and forgetting unrealistic beauty standards
- Setting realistic goals centred around your personal growth and health
- Seek Help from a Professional
The journey of cultivating a positive relationship with your body is neither straight nor easy if you do not have the right tools or the right support system in place. Seeking help from a mental health professional or therapist can be beneficial if one is battling with body image issues or finding it difficult to maintain a good relationship with their body. They can offer advice, resources, and techniques targeted to your individual needs, as well as assist you in navigating any underlying emotional issues.
It is of immense significance how you perceive your body because, at the end of the day, you cannot always compete with the unrealistic beauty standards of society. You have to learn to accept that you are beautiful the way you are and also that bodies have greater significance other than external beauty. You can do this by empowering a healthy connection with your body, and in turn, with yourself.
So, let’s celebrate our uniqueness. Let’s learn to be comfortable in our own skin and accept all the shapes and forms of nature because our bodies are no less than a treasure!
References
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-body-positivity-4773402
https://botanicahealth.com/blog/mind-body-connection-overall-health/
https://changecreateschange.com/positive-relationship-with-exercise-and-movement/