5 Ways To Be Kinder To Your Body

5 WAYS TO BE KINDER TO YOUR BODY

Take a break from mirrors.

You were never meant to see your reflection the way you do today. Constant reminders of your appearance are in every reflective surface as well as on video chat and in photos. Turn the mirrors around or block them off. Swipe over your self view on video chat. Just for 1 week as an experiment.

Use only soft, gentle touches on your skin.

No skin pinching, picking, stretching, or self harm. Harsh touch will give your body negative messages that she is sure to internalize.

Listen and respond to your body cues.

Is it hungry? Thirsty? Tired? Notice what it's telling you and then go and give it what it wants. Respond with compassion to what it says. “I hear that you’re hungry, right now.”

Find movement or exercise that you ACTUALLY enjoy.

Not an exercise focused on burning calories or gives you the most steps. If you were to talk directly to your body and ask it what feels good to it, what would it tell you? That’s intuitive movement.

Say something you are grateful for that your body can do!

How did your body serve you already today? Click here for a free guided meditation to help you switch from thinking about your body appearance and more about body gratitude.

Remember, you don’t have to love your body. Your body is just your vehicle to get you through your everyday activities. Learn more about body image counseling here. Looking for more personalized help in accepting your body and learn how to be kinder to yourself? Try talking with one of our body image experts and specialized therapists here.