Do you have disdain for your body? Well, you’re not alone, and women are particularly vulnerable to this special brand of self-loathing (shocker, right?). Indeed, research shows up to 84 percent of American women experience body dissatisfaction in their lifetimes.
Despite the growing body positivity trend, many of us haven’t yet nailed the whole self-love thing. We may shutter at our reflections or compare ourselves to Photoshopped bodies on social media. We did some digging on how to recalibrate your relationship with your body and nurture self-love, and our findings were eye-opening.
It turns out being body positive isn’t something you are; instead, it is something you do, like practicing gratitude or mindfulness.
So how do you transition from “I hate my body” to something more positive, or at the very least neutral? Read on because we have five tips to help you develop a more loving inner dialogue.
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Listen to your body
Take a moment to consider how your body feels. Here at Zenwise® we’re big fans of listening to your body when it comes to wellness. The goal is to observe your body, which takes the focus off critical self-talk. For instance, your upset stomach can tell you that it’s not loving certain foods. Or perhaps you’re not digesting other things in your life, like a toxic work environment or some other stressor. If you tune in, your body can offer a ton of useful information. You just need to listen!
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Exercise joyfully
Exercise is a natural way to boost energy, reduce stress and keep our bodies healthy. No news there. When we regard exercise as a body-changing activity, we run into trouble. It can go from healthy to harmful quickly. Instead, exercise to love your body – not change it. Try a hike in the woods instead of a grueling CrossFit workout. Megan Stubbs, Ed.D., explains in a Mindbodygreen interview. “We want to frame this as a way to celebrate our body, not beat it down until it's into a shape that pleases us.”
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Mirror work
Huh? Yep, you read that correctly. Experts suggest offering positive affirmations in front of a mirror daily. This one can be challenging for some. Call out the things you love (or at least don’t hate) about your image. “Hey, girl, your hair’s amazing today!” or “Would ya look at those pretty blue eyes?”
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Focus on what your body can do
Reframe your thoughts around your body to show gratitude for what it allows you to do each day. Are you able to exercise? Play with your kids? Prepare dinner for your family? Mow the lawn? The list is endless. When you remember that your body serves you in myriad ways, you’ll soon notice that your self-talk is less harmful and more positive.
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Nurture your body
This could be small things such as putting on makeup simply because it makes you feel good. Or a long bubble bath listening (and singing along) to Adele. Body positivity is about giving your body what it needs and deserves to live well. Prioritize healthy food, movement, rest, and stress management. Contact a mental health professional if you continue to struggle with negative self-talk regarding your body.
The Takeaway
The ultimate acts of self-love are easier than you may think. Care for your body by being proactive about your health. Treat your body with grace and care, no matter what season of your life you are in.
If getting serious about your gut health is one of the ways you would like to show your body some love, remember that small changes add up. If you have more questions about digestive health supplementation? Visit our Digestive Support page and take a 2-minute quiz to find your digestive solution. Or reach out to our Customer Service Team, who can answer your questions seven days a week at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (800) 940-1972.
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