6 ways to improve body image
If you’re struggling with your body image, you’re not alone.
I spent years - honestly, decades - hating mine. From my teens through to my 30s, my negative body image shaped so much of my life. It affected my confidence, my mood, and my relationship with food. So if that’s you right now, I really get it.
I remember dreading clothes shopping. I’d walk into a shop full of hope thinking “maybe this time something will fit, maybe I’ll feel good”. But within 10 minutes I was in a sweaty changing room, feeling defeated because I wasn’t the size I wanted to be. I’d look in the mirror feeling disappointed with what I saw. I’d pull my clothes back on as fast as I could and leave without buying anything.
I wish I could go back and hug that version of me. She didn’t know her worth had nothing to do with the size on a label.
Here are 6 simple things that actually helped me shift how I saw my body - and they might help you too.
#1 - Work on your self-talk
I imagine that right about now your self-talk is pretty negative isn’t it?
Mine used to be relentless. I’d say things to myself that I’d never say to someone I loved. It was like I thought beating myself up would magically make me change.
It didn’t.
Start noticing what you say to yourself. Is it cruel? Would you say it to your best friend? If not, please don’t say it to yourself either.
If affirmations help, great. They didn’t all work for me, but some did. Try a few and see how you go. Here’s a link to some affirmations that might help you too.
#2 - Focus on what your body does
… not what it looks like.
This one takes practice. We’ve been conditioned to spend our time, energy and effort changing our bodies and trying to fit society’s standards of what beauty is.
We must remember that body trends are ridiculous and exist because a group of powerful men in the fashion and diet industries make a lot of money telling us that we should look a certain way.
So I encourage you to focus on what your body does – laughing, dancing, creating. What does your body allow you to do? See friends, hang out, work, create, have fun, chat, read...?
We’re able to do so many things because our body allows it. I encourage you to focus on these things and then feel appreciation and gratitude for them.
#3 - Find things you DO like
I spent so much time berating myself for not looking the way I wanted to. I said horrible and hateful things to myself about my body.
I zoomed in on every “flaw.” But at some point, I started asking myself: is there anything I don’t hate today?
Some days the answer was just “my hair.” But it was a start and eventually I could name other things.
So, what about you? Can you focus on your other qualities?
Maybe you are kind, compassionate, passionate, generous, enthusiastic, fun and outgoing? Spend some time focusing on these aspects of you and considering how you are SO much more than just a body.
#4 - Avoid comparison
Comparison is the thief of joy – I really believe this.
You can be having a totally fine day… then scroll through Instagram and see someone who seems to have it all - the body, the lifestyle, the “perfect” everything - and suddenly you feel awful.
But please remember this: you’re comparing their highlight reel to your reality. That’s never going to feel good.
You deserve to feel good in your own skin, on your own terms. Log out if you need to. You’re allowed.
#5 Wear comfortable clothes
This one changed everything for me.
When I was deep in body image struggles, tight clothes made it worse. I'd wear jeans that barely zipped, just to avoid going up a size. I’d spend the whole day feeling uncomfortable - and thinking about my body nonstop.
Eventually, I cleared out my wardrobe. I gave away the clothes that made me feel bad. I bought things that actually fit.
Sizing up isn’t a failure. It’s a kindness.
Now, I wear clothes that feel good on my body - not ones I wish fit a different one.
#6 Do a social media detox
Please, unfollow anyone who makes you feel worse about yourself.
That influencer who posts “inspo” but makes you feel like crap? Gone. The one with constant before-and-after pics or diet hacks? Gone.
Follow people in diverse bodies. Follow food freedom accounts. Fill your feed with real bodies, real messages, and people who remind you that worth isn’t tied to thinness.
💚 Want to go deeper? Join my workshop: Body Freedom Matters - a one-hour session to help you let go of body shame; feel more confident in your skin; and build real self-worth
Got a question or something on your mind? Use the form below and I’ll send you a couple of tips you can try today.