Healthy Habits: 5 Tips for Maintaining a Positive Body Image During Hard Times

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Do you sometimes look in the mirror and wish that you had a smaller nose, a nicer smile, a narrower waist? Most people have things about themselves they want to change, but if you focus too much on the things you don’t have than appreciating the things you do, it could negatively affect your body image and self-esteem.

It’s important to build up your self-esteem and accept the way you look rather than trying to change it – especially in difficult times like these. Here are a few ways you can do that:
Compliment yourself every day. When you look in the mirror in the morning, say a few things that you like about what you see and who you are as a person. At night, make a list of the things that you enjoyed throughout the day. It could be big things: You got a new job. Or little things: Treating yourself to a loungewear set that you’ll love to live in. Focus on the positive things in your life and how they made you feel.
Focus on the positive things about your body. No one is perfect. And no one expects you to be perfect. Stop comparing yourself to friends and celebrities. Everyone has different genetics. It might be easier for your best friend to lose weight, but they may not like that they have curly hair. Everyone – not just you – has things they want to change about themselves. Some things can be changed (weight, hair color) but something can’t (height, shoe size). You are the way you are, and that makes you unique. If everyone has the same, the world would be a pretty boring place. Remember: You are you, and that’s amazing.
Bring a halt to negative nagging. When you start to find yourself slipping into “I wish I had this or that” thoughts, stop. Then, rewind and try to focus on positive things. It’s not going to be easy, but the sooner you stop the negative thoughts, the sooner you can switch your thinking and change your attitude. If it helps, think about how things would change if you got your wish. For instance, if you keep wishing to be 20 pounds lighter (and you are already at a healthy weight for your height), then remember that you will have to buy an entirely new wardrobe to fit your new figure – an unnecessary and large expense.
Make realistic goals. If there are things you can change about yourself, and you decide you are going to change them, make sure your goals are geared toward a healthy body image and lifestyle. First, make sure that your goals will improve your mental and emotional state and that you are focusing on your health. Then, create attainable goals. Accomplishing simple steps toward your goal will raise your self-esteem.
Realize when you need help. If you start losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, using alcohol or drugs to make yourself feel better or develop an eating disorder, it’s time to seek help. Low self-esteem can even lead to depression. Speak to someone you trust about how you are feeling. A therapist could also help you work through your body image and self-esteem issues. If you’re not sure where to turn, there are a variety of resources that can help.

A positive mental attitude will help you to create a healthy body image and good self-esteem. It’s important to realize that it’s our differences that make us unique and special. Embrace them and be happy being you.