5 Ways To Be Kinder To Your Body

5 WAYS TO BE KINDER TO YOUR BODY

Taking care of your body is an essential part of maintaining mental wellness and improving your self-esteem. By adopting practices that promote self-care and compassion, you can foster a healthier relationship with your body and mind. Here are five actionable ways to show kindness to yourself:

Take a break from mirrors.

You were never meant to see your reflection as often as you do today. Constant reminders of your appearance are everywhere—mirrors, video chats, photos—and they can negatively impact your body image and self-esteem. Try turning mirrors around or blocking them off for one week as an experiment. Swipe over your self-view on video calls to focus on the conversation rather than your appearance. This practice can help reduce body dysmorphia tendencies and improve your overall mental health.

Use only soft, gentle touches on your skin.

Avoid pinching, picking, or stretching your skin, as harsh touch sends negative messages to your body that it may internalize. Gentle touches can foster a sense of emotional support and compassion for yourself, promoting better self-image and reducing harmful behaviors. This is especially important for individuals dealing with issues like eating disorders or weight concerns.

Listen and respond to your body cues.

Your body communicates its needs—whether it's hunger, thirst, or fatigue—and responding with kindness is an act of self-care. For example, if you feel hungry, acknowledge it with compassion: “I hear that you’re hungry right now.” This practice aligns with intuitive eating principles and supports those managing body image issues or struggling with stress management.

Find movement or exercise that you ACTUALLY enjoy.

Exercise should be about joy and connection rather than calorie-burning or step-counting. Ask yourself what feels good for your body—this is known as intuitive movement. Activities like yoga or dancing can improve mental health by reducing stress, boosting self-esteem, and fostering mindfulness. For those experiencing challenges like social anxiety or depression, engaging in enjoyable movement can be a powerful tool for healing.

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

Gratitude is a key component of improving mental wellness and building confidence. Reflect on what your body allows you to do—whether it's walking, hugging loved ones, or simply breathing deeply—and express appreciation for these abilities. This practice can help shift focus away from appearance-related concerns toward celebrating functionality and resilience.

By implementing these five strategies, you can cultivate a healthier relationship with your body while addressing underlying mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Remember, kindness toward yourself is the foundation of both physical and emotional healing.

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.