It’s 2016 and mass media is at an all-time high: We see thousands of images and advertisements every single day. It's no wonder that millions of people are struggling with body image issues.
Many people think that body image issues only affect women, but thousands of men also suffer from the same internal thoughts. Though different, the struggle is still the same, the internal thoughts can take over your mind and you become obsessive about gaining that perfect image.
No two people are alike, along with that no two bodies are exactly similar. What works for one person may not work for another.
Here is a list of 11 ways to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. One list cannot automatically change negative thoughts to positive ones, but it can introduce a healthier way of looking at your body and yourself.
1. Learn to appreciate all that your body can do. Learn to celebrate all that it does for you — running, dancing, breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc. Every single day your body carries you closer to your dreams.
2.You should keep a top 10 list of things you like about yourself — these should be things that are not related to how much you weigh or what you look like. Read this list often, not just when you are feeling down. Begin to add more to it as you become more aware of things you like about yourself.
3. Please remind yourself that true beauty is not simply skin-deep. Personality goes a long way. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of self-acceptance, confidence, and openness to others that make you a beautiful person regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.
4. Look at your whole self when you look in a mirror; do not focus on specific body parts. Learn to see yourself as you want others to see you — a whole person, not a body part.
5. Who you surround yourself with is important. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others that are accepting and supportive, those who recognize the importance of liking yourself for who you naturally are. Positive people bring positive thoughts.
6. Learn to overpower negative thoughts with positive ones. Shut down the voice that tells you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. The next time you start to tear yourself down, try and build yourself back up with a couple affirmations that work for you.
7. Learn what clothing works for your body. When you are comfortable with your clothing, you feel ten times better about yourself. Learn to work with your body not against it. You may not be able to wear that super cute backless dress, but I guarantee someone else out there is wishing they could pull off what you are wearing.
8. Social and mass media are becoming an issue with body image distortions. Become a critical viewer of social media and mass media messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, or attitudes that make you feel poorly about yourself and your body. Protest these messages: You can write a letter to the advertiser or talk back to the image or message. Do not let someone else’s view ruin you.
10. Do something nice for yourself once in a while — something that lets your body know that you appreciate it.
11. All that time and energy you spend worrying about food, calories, and your weight can be spent helping others. Sometimes reaching out to others can help you feel better about yourself and it can make a positive change in our world.
Remember, you are naturally beautiful.
