BOOST YOUR BODY IMAGE

Who hasn’t struggled with their own complicated feelings about body image and self-esteem?

 
We live in a society where the pressure to look a certain way is deeply embedded in our collective psyches. Thanks to the media’s hypnotic effect on how we are supposed to perceive ourselves, we have internalized the notion that we are too fat, too wrinkled, too flawed… Looking into the mirror becomes synonymous with lowering our feeling of self-worth.

 
Reading magazines and watching TV reminds us about our own imperfections and we conveniently forget the fact that in real life, the people depicted in the magazines and movies don’t even look like what they are shown as. Digitally enhanced images, airbrushing and photoshop have led us to believe what a perfect body is supposed to look like and we don’t just talk about mainstream media, nowadays everybody enhances the images they put out on social media as well.

 
As Naked Yogis we set out to create a more body positive movement and are very happy that we can help and inspire our students to recognize their self-worth and come to love and accept their bodies and to feel good in their own skin. While we know that Naked Yoga is not for everyone, we came up with some ideas on how to create a more positive body image.

 
It all starts with how we relate to ourselves. Creating a positive body image requires a positive attitude, self-esteem and emotional stability, which can be challenging to maintain.

 
A positive attitude comes from accepting our strengths as well as our limitations. We all know that we can be highly critical of ourselves and tend to constantly judge ourselves. We strive for ideals that are doomed to fail and compare ourselves to others, which can lead to a negative self-assessment. In order to keep a positive attitude, we have to stop comparing ourselves to others and looking to achieve perfection instead we need to begin to be more compassionate with ourselves.

 
If we have negative feelings about our personalities, we rely too much on our looks to create a positive effect. Having a healthy and strong self-esteem means that we value our personality and appreciate and enjoy our own company and contributions. We have written a whole blog about self-esteem ‘IMPROVING SELF-ESTEEM’ >CLICK HERE

 
Lastly, we mentioned emotional stability. We can achieve it by being able to maintain a connection to our emotions, feelings, thoughts and desires. In order to boost our body image, we have to be able to hold on to how we feel about ourselves and our bodies no matter what negative messages come our way.

 
So what are some more practical ways to introduce yourself to a healthier, more positive body image? Have a look at our TOP 10 ideas:

 

 
#1 Appreciate what your body can do
We take our bodies for granted, rather than appreciating what an amazing, fine-tuned machine it is. Celebrate all the amazing things your body does for you. It carries you through life and allows you to run, dream, laugh, dance, breathe…

 
#2 Keep a list of things you like about yourself
Rather than focusing on what you don’t like about yourself, find the things that you do like and make a list that you keep somewhere where you can see if often and if you feel down about yourself, read it to yourself out loud.

 
#3 Value your uniqueness
We all come in different shapes and sizes, we are all completely unique. Embrace your uniqueness and build it on your character rather than your looks. Stop comparing yourself to others and look inside instead. Find your uniqueness and let it shine.

 
#4 See yourself as a whole person
We tend to look into the mirror and see the hips that are to wide, the belly that isn’t flat enough, the thighs that aren’t thin enough… We could go on and on. Whether you look into the mirror or see yourself in your own mind, choose to not focus on specific parts, but see yourself as a whole person. There is way more to you than your body parts.

 
#5 Surround yourself with positive people
We’ve all heard it before, you are like the five people you surround yourself with. So make sure that those people are positive. If you can’t be positive yourself right now, get the strength from your friends and family until you do turn into a positive person yourself.

 
#6 Shut down negative self-talk
Talk to yourself with the same compassion and loving kindness like you would show a dear friend or someone you love. Somehow we have conditioned ourselves that it is okay to treat ourselves poorly, but then we turn the switch and treat others really well. Do you think that’s ok? We say absolutely not!

 
#7 Become more critical of media and social media messages
Be aware that most posts on social media are just as highly edited as the ones in glossy magazines or ads that pop up on the internet. Nothing being presented to you is reality, but rather an image that has been photoshopped, air brushed or digitally enhanced in some way. We’ve all been there, we want to present ourselves in the best possible light to the world, but we need to be aware that the reality can look completely different.

 
#8 Do something nice for yourself
Take time to pamper yourself. Take a bubble bath, get a massage, make time for a nap, go for a walk, meditate, take a Naked Yoga class… Whatever makes you feel good, do it and do it often. We need to take care of ourselves and let ourselves know that we appreciate ourselves.

 
#9 Do something to help others
Sometimes reaching out to other people and doing something nice for them can help you feel better about yourself and be an instant boost that makes a positive change in your world.

 
#10 Ooze confidence
Even if you don’t feel like it, showing confidence and projecting a positive vibe – even if it’s a bit of an act – can affect your brain chemistry and boost your mood. So go out there, stand tall, put a smile on your face and ooze confidence. You will conquer the world!

 
We know a list won’t just magically change our attitude, but it is vital to know that we CAN change our attitude. We CAN learn to be less critical and avoid comparisons and stop striving for perfection. We CAN learn to resist stereotypes and value our internal attributes. Keep in mind, it is all about the image in our minds and we are in charge of creating it.

 
LOVE YOURSELF!
Joschi & Monika
#BoldNaked