Embracing Our Bodies: Reframing Body Image
“Life is so much more beautiful and complex than a number on a scale. ”
Many of us grapple with complicated relationships with our bodies. From a young age, we are inundated with media messages insisting that we need to look a certain way to be accepted by those around us. This constant pressure can distort our self-image and lead to unhealthy beliefs about our bodies.
As a therapist specializing in working with children, teens, and young adults with eating disorders, I often encounter questions about how to improve body image. My experiences at an inpatient eating disorder treatment center have equipped me with various tools that, when practiced regularly, can help retrain our brains to accept, appreciate, and value our bodies for all they do for us. Here are three effective strategies to enhance body image:
1. Reevaluate Your Thoughts
Many of us default to a mindset of self-criticism, believing that harsh thoughts will keep us motivated to "be better." However, research indicates that these critical thoughts do more harm than good. Instead of motivating us, they can severely impact our self-perception because our brains tend to believe what they are repeatedly told.
To combat past negative beliefs, practice replacing those critical messages with positive or even neutral affirmations. Our brains absorb and internalize what we hear, so the more we engage in positive thinking, the easier it becomes for our brains to accept these uplifting messages as our new reality.
2. Put Things in Perspective
A few years ago, I experienced a traumatic incident that caused my heart and lungs to stop functioning. After undergoing resuscitation and surgeries, I found myself in the ICU with a breathing tube, struggling to communicate and unable to walk.
During my recovery, despite the fog of my mental state, one truth became abundantly clear: I rely on my body for everything. Simple actions like breathing, talking, and walking, which I once took for granted, became invaluable. Our bodies perform incredible feats for us daily. Instead of fixating on perceived flaws, let’s shift our focus to their capabilities. By appreciating what our bodies can do rather than how they look, we can cultivate a profoundly different relationship with ourselves.
3. Appreciate Your Whole Self
A client once expressed that she “views her body as the vessel that holds our soul,” a sentiment I found truly beautiful. Our bodies are not mere objects for display; they are capable of extraordinary things. When we begin to see our bodies for their functionality rather than just their appearance, we foster a new appreciation for them.
As humans, we have achieved remarkable feats—from flying to the moon to creating breathtaking art and composing heart-wrenching music. We are complex beings with profound thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It’s time to stop limiting ourselves based on negative body image beliefs and start embracing the entirety of who we are.