How to Improve Body Image Issues: A Guide

At some point, you may have been dissatisfied with parts of your body. If so, you aren’t alone. Many people have an adverse view of their size, shape, or parts of their body.

It’s not just an issue women experience either. Men experience severe body image issues too.

If you have body image issues, they don’t have to last a lifetime. It’s possible to change the way you think about yourself, and have a healthy, positive body image.

Here’s how to get started on improving your body image.

What Is Body Image?

Body image is the way someone feels about their body. Unfortunately, many people have a negative body image.

A negative body image can lead to serious health problems such as eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

That’s why it’s so important to develop a positive body image. Not only can it prevent serious health problems, but it can give you an overall better, happier, life.

Surround Yourself With Supportive People

When you surround yourself with a support group of positive, healthy thinking individuals, it’s easier to feel better about yourself and your body. When others like you as you naturally are, it’s easier to like yourself.

See yourself as a whole person – not one specific, “flawed” body part. See yourself as a complete person, much like your supportive friends and family do.

Practice Being Kind to Yourself

It’s important to be kind to yourself. For many people, they may not be used to that. That’s why it’s important to practice self-care.

Shut down the negative voice in your head with positive, accurate affirmations of yourself. Overpower those negative thoughts that keep telling you that something is wrong with yourself with positive thoughts.

Do something nice for yourself. That could be taking a relaxing bath, taking time to read, or engaging in another relaxing activity.

Be Critical of Social Media and Entertainment

Pay attention to what ads, media, and other content you consume and how it affects how you feel about yourself. Don’t hesitate to cut out media in your life that makes you feel unworthy.

Likewise, consider how you feel after using social media. Does it make you feel worse? If so, consider taking a break from it.

Alternately, you can use social media in a healthy way. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad. Start following accounts that make you feel good, lift you up, and promote body positivity.

Negative Body Image Issues Can Be Replaced With Positive Ones

If you have body image issues or a body image disorder, it’s important to remember that there is more than one way to have a healthy, worthwhile body. Our negative beliefs about our body may have come from our family, friends, or the media, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be changed. With some work, you can achieve a healthy body image.

For more tips on being a healthy, better version of yourself, check out other articles in our Health section.