Positive self image

Fighting anorexia with positive self body image

Overcoming an eating disorder is a long and difficult journey. Along the way you will learn how to love and accept your body image and appreciate yourself for all the wonderful contributions you make to the world regardless of your physical appearance. Your journey toward recovery will include repairing your self body image. Your self body image is your mental attitude regarding your physical appearance. It also influences how others see you.

Body image boosters

There are many things you can do on your own to improve your body image. Adopt just a few of the ideas below and you will be well on your way to recovery.

• Avoid weighing yourself every day. Your body weight may fluctuate several pounds within a day or week. This is not a true reflection of your overall health and well being, and simply serves to nurture your eating disorder.

• Wear clothes that make you feel strong and attractive. Dress in a manner that flatters your figure, no matter what type of figure you have.

• Eat healthy foods. Incorporate a variety of foods from each of the four food groups and don’t limit yourself to specific types of food.

• Stay active. Engaging in regular exercise will help boost your energy and help you feel great!

• Remember that there are some things you can’t control. These include your height and shoe size. By acknowledging this you will learn to accept your body as is.

• Stop your inner critic. If you hear yourself commenting negatively about yourself, simply tell yourself to stop.

• Allow yourself daily pleasures. This might include getting a breath of fresh air or listening to your favorite music.

• Avoid criticizing others physical appearance. This will help you de-focus on your own.

• Gather around friends and family members that make you feel good about yourself. Simply being around positive people will help you stay positive.

• Regularly engage in a hobby. Find fun things to do that you enjoy and that keep you stress free. This will also help you focus on something other than your appearance.

• Get a good night’s sleep. A lack of sleep can zap your energy and cause you to feel down on yourself.

• Mediate for five minutes a day. During this time relax, try to de-compress and leave your stress behind for a few moments.

• Reflect on the positive aspects of your body image. Decide what features you like the best. It might be your eyes, your lips, or even your arms. Play them up when possible and show them off.

• Laugh a little. Even when you feel down force yourself to smile. You’ll find your smile is contagious and you can make yourself feel better the more you engage in a smile.

• Indulge in a make over. Consider a new hair cut or a pedicure. Pamper yourself a little bit. This will not only help relieve stress but will help boost your body image.

Remember to also compliment yourself daily on your body image. Try to release any excess tension you have and boost your energy via nutritious meals and a good night’s rest. All of these activities will help boost your mental state and your sense of well being.