That’s just it. It’s possible you’re having a bad body image DAY, but you, friend, do not have not a bad body. And this is a very important distinction- one I encourage you to start believing.
With that being said, on these less than favorable days, it is a good idea to have some tips and tricks up your sleeve to combat the waves of self-pointed negativity.
And the first step, is just having the ability to recognize that’s exactly what’s going on.
Maybe you caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror you didn’t particularly like, you’ve struggled to find an outfit to wear this morning that makes you feel confident, something you ate is making you feel physically yucky, you’ve started menstruating and are a bit more bloated than usual, or were subjected to any number of circumstances that could send you spiraling about all of the things you don’t like about your body.
You’re feeling lots of emotions, but before you dive any deeper down the rabbit hole, you realize what is happening and call it out for what it is- a bad body image day.
And that’s okay! We all have them. Even after doing extensive amounts of work to heal my relationship with my own body, I still have days like this, too.
We’re human!
But the good news is, once you’re aware of your bad body image day, you can work with it.
WITH it. The goal here is to flow with your body and not fight against it. We don’t need to desperately seek change, but instead learn how to live harmoniously in our skin- on the good days and the not so good ones alike.
So, I can’t promise any of these suggestions will completely reverse how you’re feeling about your body, but I can guarantee that these tangible practices will prove to be very helpful as you begin to navigate giving yourself the grace and the space when you don’t feel super awesome about your body.
My first and most favorite tip on a hard body image day is to put on some really comfy clothes. As soon as possible! Perhaps something baggy, loose-fitting, anything with a little extra room so they aren’t sitting tight against your skin. Doing this alone should relieve you of any physical discomfort or emotional pressure to fit in to something that just doesn’t feel great this day. I also see this as a very kind action step taken toward your body. A gentle gesture to snap out of criticism and step in to contentment.
Tip number two consists of brewing yourself up a warm and comforting beverage. I love a hot tea here, but, lady’s choice! You see, science says that heated liquids cause us to physiologically relax. Their temperature dilates our blood vessels and improves circulation which, in turn, yields muscle relaxation. So, sipping on your favorite drink is a win for the bod and the taste buds.
Next on the list is to phone a friend. Now, hear me out. I understand that being in company might be the last thing you want to do on a bad body image day, but simply gathering in the presence of a person you love or trust can work wonders on your mood and morale. Maybe you let them in on your feelings this day, or maybe not, regardless- being in community is a sure-fire way to wrestle any body burdens you’re bearing. Remember, we weren’t created to do this life alone.
However, if you do happen to find yourself solo on a bad body image day- don’t worry! Two at-home ideas for fighting off the funk include diving into distraction and practicing self-care. Distracting yourself with something hands-on and mentally stimulating should work to refocus your mind to the task at hand. Puzzling, coloring, writing, or reading are all great options here! Less brain power channeled in to worrying about your body, and more allocated to a fun hobby of your choice. Additionally, you could opt for a bit of pampering. What better way to reject those intrusive thoughts than to swap them for actions of self-care? Instead of tearing your body down, you intentionally choose to do something to build it up. A face mask, full-shower (hair wash included!), in-house mani pedi- you can’t go wrong.
Tip number six is a tried and true- gentle movement. If you’re feeling down on your body, going for a walk or a mellow jog, signing up for your favorite fitness class or even just participating in some light yoga or stretching can be seriously beneficial. Moving your body gets the blood flowing and endorphins pumping which biologically boost your mood. Not to mention the added benefits of getting outside, admiring nature, taking in some fresh air or even just changing your environment.
Which brings me to my final piece of advice. Sometimes if you recognize it’s a hard body image day, remaining in the same space can lead to festering over your feelings and staying in the suck. But a simple change of environment can release you from your little cave of captivity and allow for a dose of much needed mental freedom. So maybe you combine multiple of these methods and head to a coffee shop for your favorite warm drink, drive to the park for a pleasant stroll with your dog, invite a friend out to lunch at the cute local cafe- any formula that can assist in alleviating your anxieties on these more difficult days.
Because they’re certainly not easy. But my hope is that with these tools, they can become even just the tiniest bit easier ♡