UNC Healthy Heels

Loving your body tends to be easier said than done. There are a million messages bombarding us daily telling us we’re not good enough the way we are – and millions of dollars in profit attached to us believing those messages.

But we can try to see and think about our body differently. Here’s one video example. It’s worth noting that this is dude talking and drawing about his body image issues. We’re guessing some of our readers also identify as masculine – and that most of you identify as feminine. There’s loads of cultural reasons for this – but regardless of your gender identity, we hope this video is helpful to you.

There are loads of ways to love your body! Here are some ideas:

1. Listen to your body. Eat when you are hungry and rest when you are tired. If you’re looking for more details, check out Intuitive Eating.
2. Change the messages you are giving yourself. Identify the negative ways that you speak to yourself and make a decision to replace that self-talk with more realistic, loving, and positive statements. The video above is a nice example of this.
3. Throw out the bathroom scale. You are much more than a number on a scale. Instead focus on the most important things about yourself like your unique talents, qualities, skills, and characteristics.
4. Think of your body as an instrument instead of as an ornament. Be thankful every day for all of the wonderful things you can do in your body such as dance, play, run, enjoy good food, and give hugs!
5. Exercise to feel good and be healthy, not to lose weight or punish your body. Find fun ways to add more physical activity in your life, such as going for a walk with a friend. Campus Rec is full of ways to connect with folks who enjoy similar ways of moving as you.
6. Move with your head held high. If you act like someone with a healthy body image and good self-confidence, the “act” will eventually become reality.
7. Wear comfortable clothes that fit. Clothes that are too large or too small tend to create physical discomfort and may make you feel even worse about your body. Clothes that fit you well are designed to complement your figure. Ignore the size tags if possible (remember – you are so much more than a number!).
8. Question ads that perpetuate unrealistic standards for our bodies. Instead of saying, “What’s wrong with me,” say, “What’s wrong with this ad?” Write the company. Set your own standards instead of letting the media set them for you.
9. Surround yourself with people who are supportive of you and your body, not critical. How does your community comment about your body and your food? How can you set limits on that to make sure you are comfortable and supported?
10. Every day tell yourself, “I am beautiful!” Write it down! Put notes everywhere! YOU ARE ENOUGH – just the way you are.