Improve Your Body Image!

Ten Steps to Accepting Your Unique Assets:

1. Feel what your body actually does, and appreciate it. It goes and goes and goes. It helps you sing, move, walk, breathe, listen, see, laugh, run, and it even continues while you sleep. Stop and recognize how much your body does for you and love it for being your number one fan.

2. Make a list of your top ten favorite things about yourself. Have the items ignore weight/looks issues. Read your list often and add to it as you notice more things that you like about yourself.

3. As cliche as it is, know "beauty" is not what you look like. When you feel good about yourself and WHO you are on the inside, that confidence shows on the outside by the way you carry yourself, your self-acceptance, and an openness that really makes you beautiful to others (and yourself). You don't have to be a super model to feel this way and have it show. Beauty is a state of mind- try it and you will see the difference.

4. Look at yourself as one whole. When you see yourself in a mirror or inside in your mind, choose not to seclude just one body part. Look at yourself as one, whole person- the same way you want others to see you.

5. Surround yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are.

6. The voices in your head that say your body is not "right" or that you are a "bad" person need to be recognized for what they are- emotions that need to be put to rest. Say to yourself, I know what you are and what you're trying to do, and let go of the voice and the negativity. Visualize it floating out of your head or literally relax tension and let it float out of you. Think positively and soon the negatives will not have a place to fit in. Build yourself up with affirmations from your list!

7. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work with your body, not against it by fitting it regardless of the number (even feel free to cut out the tag after you've bought them). Be happy about how you feel in clothes that fit.

8. Be critical of media and social messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, and attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Protest these messages: write a letter to the advertiser, talk back to the image, or write a note in a journal.

9. Treat yourself with something! Do something nice for yourself that you know your body will appreciate. Take a luxurious bubble bath, meditate, get a massage, or try some yoga!

10. Rather than wasting time spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight, do something in that time to help others. Volunteering can help you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in our world.

For more help you can contact:

CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)
243-4711
Provides counseling for students who struggle with disordered eating and body image and can also help concerned friends talk and obtain more information on how to be helpful. Free for students for first 2-3 visits.