8 Ways to Nurture the Body You Have
I’ve spent years hating my body. This is a fact. I could pick out a million things wrong with it, and that left me miserable most of the time. I was either starting yet another crash diet or breaking that diet by bingeing or falling back on emotional eating. The real problem though, was that I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. Can you relate?
If you’re not comfortable in the skin you’re in, changing it probably isn’t the answer. Losing weight, and working on your body’s shape - the truth is - these changes are only external. They won’t automatically make you love and accept your body. If you nit-pick at your current self, you’ll do the new you, no matter your size.
Find freedom from this by nurturing your body; the one you have right now! When you sustain your current body, your acceptance and love will grow. Isn’t that all you ever wanted in the first place?
So, if you’re ready to ditch the self-loathing, negative self-talk and poor body image, here are 8 ways you can nurture the body you have right now:
1. Celebrate your Strengths
Switch your focus from appearance to everything your body can do! Whether it’s carrying two kids at a time or six bags of groceries in one trip. Appreciate all that strength and movement. A strong, active body is a beautiful body!
2. Let Go of The Scale
There are so many ways you can measure your health and wellbeing without being tied to the scale. Instead of weighing yourself obsessively, ask yourself how you’re feeling:
Do you have energy or are you tired?
Do you feel sluggish or awake?
Do you feel clear or bloated?
Your body will give you clues if you’re eating or doing something that isn’t working. Try paying attention to these signals instead of just your weight. When you feel good, you look good!
3. Make Fitness Fun
Movement doesn’t have to be a punishment. In fact, many studies show that the best type of exercise is the type you enjoy! If you have fun, you’ll stick with it. Regularly moving your body helps to nurture it and you’ll reap the many physical and mental health benefits of being active.
4. Accept Your Body Type
If you’re barely 5 feet tall, guess what? You’re not going to look like a 6’ supermodel - and that’s okay! Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. If you take a moment to list off a handful of people you find attractive, you’ll probably realize they all look completely different. Instead of comparing your body type to others, focus on being the healthiest and happiest version of you!
5. Let Go of Perfection
Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do. Your body will never be perfect but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great. Focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses and change your inner dialogue to a positive one!
6. Focus on What Feels Good
The problem with most diets is they’re too restrictive. They tell you everything you can’t eat and your left feeling deprived. Instead of creating a list of restrictions, create healthy habits. Experiment with whole foods and discover what you enjoy and makes you feel good! Food should be energizing and fuel for your day. It shouldn’t make you feel sluggish, bloated or tired. So, focus on what feels good to nurture your body.
7. Find an Eating Routine that Works for You
Some people like to skip breakfast while others can’t live without it. Eating and healthy living isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Figure out what works for you and create a routine that is manageable long-term.
8. Start a Gratitude Journal
Write down one thing you appreciate or admire about your body every single day. Once you get started, it’ll be hard to stop! The human body is an amazing vessel and does so much to ensure we’re able to live our lives to the fullest. Most people take their health for granted and don’t appreciate being healthy until it’s gone. Take time to appreciate all your body does for you.