10 Things to Help You Remember Why Your Body is a Good Body
For years, media have helped shape what society considers “the ideal body.” With advertising and entertainment available on TV and in magazines, and now on streamed platforms and via social media influencers, it can feel nearly impossible to escape the constant influence of body image ideals. While we can’t avoid seeing these messages, Ophelia’s Place believes we can be aware of those media influences, while reminding ourselves how all bodies are valuable, scientific wonders, and take great care of us throughout our lives.
Here are 10 things you can do to remember that your body is a great body no matter what society defines as an “ideal” body.
1. Appreciate all that your body can do. Your heart is beating, your lungs are breathing, your cells are growing, and you’ve blinked since you began to read this sentence and didn’t even realize it. Your body is a marvel – take a minute to thank it for taking good care of you.
2. Keep a top ten list of things you like about yourself BEYOND weight and appearance. Are you creative? Funny? Are you good at math or a great sister? Add them to the list and keep it someplace handy.
3. Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. Treating others with dignity, compassion, and kindness is beautiful.
4. Look at yourself as a whole person. Avoid focusing on individual parts of yourself. Whether that’s your chin, your backside or your pinkie toe, every part of you makes up the complete picture of who you are.
5. Surround yourself with positive people. Encourage your friend group to be body/food positive. Use your voice when friends say one type of body or food is better or worse than another. All bodies are good bodies!
6. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person. When you hear that voice, recognize it and give yourself permission to let that voice go. Then, replace it with all the things you’ve listed from #2.
7. Wear clothes you feel comfortable in. If a certain style doesn’t work for you remember the clothes are the problem, NOT YOU. The clothing industry is still working on being inclusive to all body types. In the meantime, be comfortable and confident in you.
8. Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. Test the message for body positivity by asking yourself if body depictions are realistic. Who created the message and how will they benefit from it by sending it to you?
9. Do something nice for yourself. What are some things you do to make yourself feel good? Journal? Sing? Get outside for some fresh air? Chat with friends? Share your ideas with us at Ophelia’s Place by emailing us or sharing examples on Instagram or Facebook.
10. Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others. Be an empowered part of the communities in which you live, learn, and work. You’re valuable.
Take a screenshot of these tips, or print them out and stick them to your mirror. Every body is a great body. Never doubt that truth about yourself.
For more on body image, check out OP’s Drop-In Groups or other activities. Girls have the opportunity to hang out with other girls and OP staff and talk about topics like media & body image, and much more.