Tis the season to R E L A X and celebrate self-love and body positivity. Even for myself, someone who damn near works out every day, I've had to check in and give myself some more R&R than usual. For a long time, I worked out for the sole purpose of losing weight, wanting my body to look a certain way in order for others (not even myself) to find it appealing, attractive, sexy, or whatever. Back then there were no rest days because rest meant I was slacking on my results. Rest meant that I was fat and unattractive. The truth is I cared way too much about what others thought of me and my body and not enough about what I thought. It took a long time for me to fully become comfortable with my body. To learn how to love it big or small, thick or thin, till death do us part. I'm still a work in progress, learning when to rest and making sure whatever body goals I'm striving for are for me and not anyone else. I shared this on my Instagram page this week and wanted to share it again.
Here are 4 mindset shifts that have helped me and can help you think more positively about your body.
1️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer to a friend. Recognize that nobody is perfect, and everyone has imperfections. Embrace self-compassion and be gentle with yourself when it comes to your body.
2️⃣ Focus on Health, Not Perfection: Shift your focus from pursuing an idealized body image to prioritizing your overall health and well-being. Appreciate your body for what it can do and the ways it supports you in your daily life.
3️⃣ Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Pay attention to your internal dialogue and challenge negative thoughts about your body. Replace self-criticism with positive affirmations and gratitude for your body's unique qualities.
4️⃣ Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly express gratitude for your body. Focus on the things your body enables you to do, such as walking, laughing, or pursuing your passions. Acknowledge and appreciate the amazing capabilities and experiences your body provides you with.
Practicing gratitude can help you develop a deeper appreciation for your body and shift your perspective towards a more positive one.
Remember that developing a positive body image takes time and effort, but these mindset shifts can be a great starting point. 💖