When was the last time you stood in front of the mirror....looked in the mirror and thought good thoughts?
Be honest with yourself, what are the thoughts that run thru your head when you look in the mirror, or when you get dressed, when you go out shopping, or while eating? Are you using positive, healthy words?
Are they words you would say out-loud to anyone else? Probably not. Sadly, many people hate their bodies--or at least some "part" of their body and not only are those negative thoughts and negative self talk unhealthy, it may have long-term negative effects for you and your family as well.
According to Rice University some of the effects of having a negative body image include:
- emotional distress
- low self-esteem
- unhealthy dieting habits
- anxiety
- depression
- eating disorders
- take risks with their sexual health
- social withdrawal
- stop doing healthy activities that require you to show your body, such as exercising, having sex, going to the doctor, or swimming
So, how do we Stop Hating and Learn to Love our Bodies?
Step One: Create a goal.
What is it that YOU would like to achieve? Improved health, workout more, fit into skinny jeans, less stress, reduce disease risk, wear a swimsuit, sleep better, have more energy, look healthier, better eating habits, have more self confidence?
Step Two: Write it down!--in several places; on sticky notes, on your calendar, in your phone, put them in several places to remind you daily. Use positive words & affirm your goal daily--out loud would be best!
Here are a few examples:
"I feel nourished, healthy, and fit. I am zipping up my favorite jeans and I look and feel great!"
"Working out gives me an abundance of energy and makes me feel youthful!"
Step Three: Keep track of your successes. Log healthy activities in your phone, on an app, ( I use this Shaklee app to keep track of my calories, my healthy activities, and to track my mood as well) or journal your daily successes in a book. Write down positive statements about yourself. Every night before going to bed, make a list of all the things you accomplished, no need to go through all the things you "should have" done. Keep your thoughts positive and focused on your accomplishments.
Step Four: Reward Yourself! After achieving a goal you set, celebrate your success. Celebrating an achieved goal will help keep you motivated. Decide ahead of time of what your reward will be. Maybe its a long herbal bubble bath, a trip to the library, new outfit, a walk with a friend, or even some dark chocolate!
You deserve to be rewarded. Enjoy it.
Step Five: Repeat! Committing to creating a goal and making it stick may not be easy, but you will be thrilled with the long-term results. Take it one day at a time. In addition, feel free to "re-do" a goal. No one says you can only have the goal once. It's about getting to a place where you are able to Love yourself and your body.
~Be Outstanding~
Denise Gaskell
Gaskell Healthy Solutions
gaskellwellness@comcast.net
