How to FEEL Better about Your BODY!! - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Zenomia · 05-11-2008, 03:21 PM

Feel Better About Your Body
By Michael O'Shea
Published: May 11, 2008
Does this sound familiar? You look in the mirror, berate yourself for gaining weight and then give in to feelings of depression and hopelessness. If you’re an emotional eater, you might even turn to food to comfort yourself, thus perpetuating the problem.

Now imagine feeling great about your body—no matter what your current size or shape. No more getting down on yourself for your weight or putting your life on hold because of insecurities. Well, it’s possible. With just a little attitude adjustment, you can boost your body confidence, which is the first step to leading a healthier life. “When you feel better about yourself,” says Judith Beck, author of The Beck Diet Solution, “you have more energy and feel more motivated to initiate changes, such as starting an exercise program.”

Here’s how to turn that negative cycle into a more positive one.

Don’t tie your self-worth to the number on the scale. “Remind yourself every single day that your outward appearance is irrelevant to who you are inside,” suggests Beck. “Think about what you would say to a close friend if she were overweight and feeling badly about herself.” Chances are that you would remind her of all her good qualities and offer encouragement rather than criticism. Do the same for yourself. The positive feedback will help you feel more able to take control of your body and health.

Don’t put your life on hold. If you put off starting an exercise program or buying clothes until you lose weight, you will perpetuate the rut. Even a 20-minute walk can increase endorphins and other feel-good chemicals. You’ll not only burn calories, which can help you reach your long-term fitness goals, but also reduce depression and stress right away.

Ease up on the pressure. You don’t have to work out like an Olympian. Choose an activity you’ll enjoy. Studies show that moderate exercise actually does more to improve your mood than longer, more intense workouts. It also can help you to sleep more soundly, which will make you look and feel better. Concentrate on how great it feels to be doing something good for yourself rather than obsess about how far you still have to go.

Congratulate yourself on your efforts. Acknowledge the progress you’ve made. “After all, you could spend your day in front of the television eating ice cream, but you don’t,” says Beck. “Giving yourself credit for what you accomplish each day—even running errands—can boost your mood, make you feel better about yourself and help keep your difficulty with weight in perspective.” And that’s the first step to the kind of body confidence that lasts

Feel Better About Your Body
5 Ways to Boost a Poor Self Image
© Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

May 11, 2007

Are you tired of feeling bad about yourself? Feel better about your body, mind and soul with these 5 ways to boost a poor self image and build your confidence.
When you feel better about your body and boost your poor self image, you'll change the way you think about your life and the world. Accepting and honoring who you are – from your brain to your back end – unclutters your mind and allows you to see the world with fresh eyes. It's about going beyond diets, worries about weight loss, and your old ways of thinking. Feeling better about your body isn't just about your appearance: your work and home life will benefit, too.

Feel Better About Your Body: 5 Ways to Boost a Poor Self Image
1. Admit you're not a mind reader. You may think you know what the guy in the elevator thinks of your skin or body…but you don’t have a clue. You can’t read people’s minds! People are generally thinking about themselves 99% of the time: their work, their feelings, their opinions, their hunger pangs, their gas. If you’re self conscious in the bedroom, you’re probably thinking that your partner is distracted by your cellulite or extra weight, but it's only YOU who is distracted. Your partner is enjoying the sensations and feelings – and you should be, too.

You can't read people’s minds, so don’t waste your time trying. When you're trying to feel better about your body, be especially careful not to attribute your thoughts or opinions to other people! You're more often than not wrong, and you're simply hurting yourself when you delude yourself into thinking that you know what they're thinking. Boost your body image by admitting you can't read minds.

2. Let go of the all-or-nothing beliefs. Feel better about your body by accepting yourself, flaws and all. Say you did mess up the presentation at work or accidentally insult someone at a party…it doesn’t mean you’re a rotten employee or a total jerk. You made a mistake; find the freedom in admitting it and moving on. Don’t fall into the trap of not enjoying yourself on dates or at parties if your hair isn't perfect or your skin isn’t flawless; don’t believe the lie that your appearance or personality is all or nothing: all good, all bad, all boring, all stupid, or even all smart. Instead, take the good with the bad. Boost a poor self image by accepting that your hair isn't looking exactly right. Wear your favorite outfit or hat to offset your negative feelings to feel better about your body. You feel bloated because your period's on its way? Drink extra water (it's counterintuitive, but it works) and go for a long walk, swim, or jog. You messed up at work? Recall the wise choices and smart decisions you made.

3. Focus on your passions. When improving your body image in particular: forget about your skin, weight, size, and shape. What do you love to do? What gets you excited, makes you forget that time is passing? Maybe you've always wanted to travel, paint, or explore the antique shops in the funky part of your town. When you explore new things or concentrate on what makes you happy, you're less likely to feel bad about your body, personality, or mind. You'll feel better about your body when you do what you love. Boosting a poor self image happens naturally when you focus on your passions.

4. Stop hiding. As hard as it is, reveal yourself to others. I don't just mean physically (though that can be healthy and affirming) – I mean emotionally. If you feel self-conscious about your belly or thighs, talk about it with your partner. Feeling better about your body and boosting a poor self image means sharing your vulnerable feelings with the people you trust. Often, they'll reassure you and tell you they love you no matter what – and you only need to let yourself believe them. Being authentic and real will not only make you feel better about yourself, it’ll encourage others to do the same.

5. Remember the mind-body connection. Your body is so tied in with your mind that simply thinking about stressful situations raises your blood pressure, increases your heart rate, and lowers your immune system. If you keep thinking about how ugly or fat you feel, your physical health will suffer along with your emotional health. To feel better about your body, focus on positive thoughts and healthy activities.

Feel Better About Your Body: 5 Ways to Boost a Poor Self Image
Feel Better About Your Body | PARADE Magazine

pebitpeb · 05-11-2008, 07:36 PM

Great positive information and affirmation. Thanks for passing it along here Zen.

Paul