How To Change The Way You Talk About Your Body
There are so many buzzwords these days for talking about our bodies, it can be hard to keep track. “Fitspo,” “self-love,” “body positive;” it can all become a bit much. But the important focus here is that the way you talk (and think) about your body matters, as you ultimately shape the way you think and feel about yourself. So how do you change the way you talk about your body? Start by…
1. Change your inner monologue.
We are our own biggest critics, often using phrases like “I’m too…” or “I’m not…” to body shame ourselves. Flip the script and try some positive descriptions the next time you start to talk down to yourself. “I love my…” is a good place to start. Which leads to…
2. Find aspects of your body you love.
You may not be fond of certain parts of your body, but focus on the parts you do love, and accentuate those. Maybe you have a great waist, strong arms, a long neck, graceful legs. Show them off! Feel good about the body that you have. It’s amazing just the way it is, even if you are still growing into that belief. And with that…
3. Remember that no one is perfect, and that’s perfectly fine.
Maybe you have stretchmarks, or cellulite, or extra bits that wobble: that’s okay. We are not meant to look like the airbrushed models in magazines (even they don’t look like that). We have to stop seeing our imperfections as, well, imperfections, if we’re going to start loving our bodies. So no more “I hate my thighs” and way more “My thighs are strong and help me kick butt.”
4. Fill your closet with clothes that make you feel good about your body.
How will this improve your negative inner dialogue, you ask? Think of it this way: if you’re constantly wearing outfits that don’t fit right, or you don’t feel comfortable in, it’s hard to feel positive about your body. We all have those days when we don’t feel comfortable in our own skin, but we make it so much worse for ourselves by dressing for fashion’s sake instead of comfort’s sake. If you always have that one dress you wear that’s pretty but makes you feel awful, get rid of it. Wear what you like, just as long as it makes you happy.
