In earlier conversations in this series we’ve talked about the relationship between negative body image and mental health concerns like depression, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. Carrying dissatisfaction with your body can come with a heavy mental and physical health price tag.
If this is something you’ve been struggling with, I want to offer a few practical tools to support you as you navigate your relationship with your body. These are not quick fixes—they’re practices. These small shifts can make a meaningful difference.
Flexibility means being able to hold two thoughts at the same time. For example:
I want to change my body and I appreciate my body.
Your thoughts about your body do not have to be all-or-nothing. You don’t have to choose love or hate, good or bad. There is so much space in between. Research shows that people who are more flexible in their thinking tend to be happier overall. And that’s worth paying attention to.
Your body is not the enemy. You are not at war with your body. You only get one, so let’s stop treating it like something that needs to be defeated.
When that critical voice pops up, pause. Then ask yourself: How would this sound if I were talking to a close friend?
Many of us are far harsher with ourselves than we would ever be with someone we love. You do not deserve to be talked to the way you’ve been talking to yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness, compassion, and empathy you offer others.
Your journey hasn’t been easy. You’ve weathered real storms. Someone who has endured what you have deserves compassion.
Social media is a breeding ground for the comparison trap. Everyone seems skinnier, happier, more successful, more in love, and somehow always coordinated and matching with their kids.
What we rarely see are the hard days, the ordinary moments, or the struggles behind the scenes. The more we consume, the easier it is to believe we’re falling short.
If you notice that scrolling leaves you feeling worse about yourself, consider setting a daily or weekly limit. Protecting your mental health is not avoidance, it’s care.
So much of the focus on our bodies is about appearance. Shifting toward appreciation means noticing what your body allows you to do.
Your body allows you to cook, to work, to create, to hug the people you love, to rest, to survive hard things. Even if there are parts of your body you wish were different, gratitude can exist alongside that desire. Your body is not the enemy. Stop the fight. Lean into appreciation.
Before you go, let’s anchor these ideas with a few reminders you can return to.
Choose one or two affirmations to practice this week. Let them interrupt harsh self-talk and bring you back to compassion.
My body is not my enemy.
I can hold appreciation and desire for change at the same time.
I deserve compassion, especially from myself.
My body has supported me through hard things.
I am allowed to care for my mental health without guilt.
I do not have to be perfect to be worthy of kindness.
My body deserves respect, nourishment, and rest.
I can set boundaries that protect my well-being.
Gratitude for my body can exist even on difficult days.
I am learning to treat my body with care.
To deepen this practice, you can complete this sentence after reading one:
“Today, this means that I __________________.”
Small steps count. You’re allowed to take them at your own pace.
With care,
Dr. Shondolyn Sanders
Dr. Shon is a licensed psychologist serving clients in 40+ states. She specializes in recovery from trauma, worry, relationship distress, perfectionism, depression, and chronic pain. She helps her clients find balance, inner and outer peace, joy, and self-acceptance. Interested in working with her? Click here.
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.