It's important to keep tabs on your mental health- especially if you are prone to body dysmorphia. Every month, I like to take some steps to ensure that my relationship with my body stays healthy and strong. So, while we're still in the very first days of March, here's a few tips on staying body positive this month.
1. Take a few minutes every morning to thank your body for all it does for you.
Just a few deep breathes, and a mental list of all the things your body lets you do every day. Be that running a mile or just feeling the sun on your face.
2. Refuse to judge other people's bodies.
Insist on seeing people as more than just their physical appearance. Beauty is subjective, remember that.
3. Look for things you like about yourself when you see your reflection.
Try to make a list. Do you love your eyes? Your freckles? A unique birthmark, or your strong shoulders? Remember, your body has functions beyond looking pretty.
4. Work out to feel good, not look good.
It's not about getting a six-pack or becoming a Size 2, it's about lifting those weights and being able to run that mile. Get that endorphin high!
5. Surround yourself with positive influences.
Get yourself a squad that surrounds you with love and positivity. Don't let negative people get too close to your sparkle.
6. Don't compare yourself to other people.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F03%2F05%2F636242922274035787-1422190476_giphy-5.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=222&h=cfc54370a115dc507e5766171adeac51b416e616faaaa49ce7e71cadb8980c23&size=980x&c=1009843460 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F03%252F05%252F636242922274035787-1422190476_giphy-5.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D222%26h%3Dcfc54370a115dc507e5766171adeac51b416e616faaaa49ce7e71cadb8980c23%26size%3D980x%26c%3D1009843460%22%7D" expand=1]There's lots of beautiful, wonderful people in the world. And you're one of them. You cannot compare yourself to anyone else, because you are uniquely you!
7. Indulge yourself with little things that make you happy.
Buy yourself a little gift every now and again. A new lipstick, an ice-cream cone, whatever floats your boat. You deserve it!
8. Stop equating a certain body ideal with morality.
No, being a smaller pant size won't make you a better person. Stop telling yourself otherwise.
9. Compliment strangers.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F03%2F05%2F6362429297271385571805301813_giphy-8.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=924&h=d95be5d0a7072aa7876c21e74e9c0808c2634fc4a2e9b3d0afa40e3623ac35ff&size=980x&c=3311202269 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F03%252F05%252F6362429297271385571805301813_giphy-8.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D924%26h%3Dd95be5d0a7072aa7876c21e74e9c0808c2634fc4a2e9b3d0afa40e3623ac35ff%26size%3D980x%26c%3D3311202269%22%7D" expand=1]Take the time to brighten someone else's day. Finding the beauty in other people will let you find the beauty in yourself.
10. See yourself as a whole person.
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2017%2F03%2F05%2F6362429344867758061744287253_giphy-9.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=971&h=7eb32acc45bb5335a3a2cf516cd3a877c10385a3c96ec6b9f2c2f7508bc3285c&size=980x&c=2211473559 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2017%252F03%252F05%252F6362429344867758061744287253_giphy-9.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D971%26h%3D7eb32acc45bb5335a3a2cf516cd3a877c10385a3c96ec6b9f2c2f7508bc3285c%26size%3D980x%26c%3D2211473559%22%7D" expand=1]You are so much more than a few perceived flaws. You are a whole person, with dreams and aspirations that fall well beyond that little bit of tummy squish you keep obsessing over.
The places you’ll go with “yes, and…”
Your Mental Health Matters.
Rescuing You From Dining Hall Repetitiveness
