Body Image Makes a Difference in Mental Wellness

How do you feel when you look in the mirror? Do you feel confident and comfortable in your body or shameful and insecure? It’s easy to find flaws when you’re trying on new clothes or taking a serious look at your physique, but the way you perceive your body makes a huge difference in your mental health and the way you show up in the world. Height, shape, weight – all your physical features are under your own judgment, and your attitudes toward them make up your body image.

A positive body image means you have a clear and honest perception of your physique. You see your body as it is rather than labeling its parts good or bad. A person with a positive body image accepts her body’s shape and size and recognizes the separation between physical appearance and her character and value as a person.

Negative body image occurs when a person has a distorted perception of her physical nature. Someone with negative body image likely feels shame, anxiety and insecurity about her shape, size or features.

Having a healthy body image is an important part of mental wellness, but as we start internalizing messages about our bodies, it’s easy to develop a negative body image. This can lead to serious issues such as depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders. In fact, research shows body dissatisfaction is the most common contributor to developing anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

If you have negative feelings about your looks, here are some healthier ways to think about your body:

Celebrate your body

Take a moment to think about all the things you enjoy doing with your body, such as dancing, walking your dog, laughing, eating. Appreciate the way your body allows you to experience fun activities. The fact that your body is capable of such movement is a blessing in itself; not everyone is so fortunate.

Make a list of all the things you like about yourself

This list shouldn’t be about your physical features. Instead, focus on the inner qualities you like about yourself. Read this list often and add to it as you come across new things.

Choose to be around positive people

Surround yourself with people who are generally positive. Spend your time with people who build you up and accept you the way you are. Positive energy is infectious.

Wear clothes that make you feel good

Dress in a way that flatters your figure. Choose colors that make you feel more confident.

Affirm positive thoughts

When you hear negative voices in your head denegrating your body image, reframe those thoughts with positive ones. Remind yourself that you are a worthwhile person and you are taking good care of yourself.

Treat yourself

Instead of listening to the voices in your head, become more in tune with your physical body and listen to its needs. Do you need more sleep? A relaxing bubble bath? A glass of cold water or an energizing walk outside?

Positive body image doesn’t happen immediately, but continuing these practices over time will help you reframe the way you view your body.