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One of the most effective ways to practice body positivity is through verbal affirmation. Say what you love about yourself out loud! Give yourself daily verbal encouragement. This can take many forms: say something positive to yourself in the mirror or read written notes of affirmation to yourself throughout the day. You might feel silly doing this at first, but in order to teach your brain that you are valuable, you have to speak your thoughts out loud. This is a proven verbal learning tactic.
If you believe that a skinny body is equal to a healthy body, I have to break it to you—your wrong. This notion is completely false, but is nevertheless thoroughly ingrained in American media. Avoid diet culture and put away the scale—your weight is not equal to your value as a person! Instead, show appreciation to your body by nourishing it and exercising in ways you actually enjoy.
One way to start recognizing value in yourself is to recognize it in others. Give compliments to your friends, family and strangers. When you show kindness to others, you are more likely to show kindness to yourself.
Cut out toxicity from your life. Are you following influencers who boast about diet culture? Unfollow. Your friend wants you to go on the latest diet trend with her to lose 15 pounds? No thanks Karen! Surround yourself with positive media and people who uplift you for who you are.
Focus on what you love about yourself Identify what physical features you love most about yourself. When negative thoughts pop into your head, revert to these features to remember your value. These features don’t have to be chosen based on beauty, you can also choose them to highlight their ability. For example, if you catch yourself thinking “I wish my legs were longer”, replace that thought with “I love my legs for their ability to take me wherever I wish to go.”
As social media becomes increasingly more central to our lives, we tend to compare ourselves to others online. This practice is very damaging to our individual perceptions of ourselves. The next time you feel bad that you don’t look like someone you see on social media, remember that they have the power in this situation. They have filters and editing tools at their disposal and are presenting themselves in the best light possible. Social media does not equal real life. We are all human and we all have “flaws” that make us unique and beautiful. Celebrate your “flaws” because they are what make you, you.
Be aware of when negative, self-damaging thoughts come into your head. Identify the thought and combat it with a positive affirmation.
Actively look for social media accounts, books, brands and people who showcase body positivity in all that they do. Our thoughts reflect the media and messages that we absorb in daily life. Filter out harmful narratives and celebrate body positivity.
Set aside time to destress and spend time with yourself. Find an activity to help you connect with yourself—this could be taking a bath, painting, cooking, exercising, taking a walk, reading...whatever lets you escape from the world and be with your thoughts.
Finally, let yourself come to the realization that you are so much more than your physical appearance. Instead of focusing on your body 24/7, spend your energy doing something you love. Focus on a passion or hobby, reward yourself with self care or spend time with those you love.
How do you practice body positivity? I would love to hear at jenniferjames@astroflav.com.
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