12 Things a Body Image Coach Wishes You Knew
Updated: Feb. 21, 2020
Some of the best things to do to improve your body image have nothing to do with dieting or trying to change your body. Here, a body image coach shares her top tips for learning to love the skin you're in.
Think of your body size like your shoe size
You don’t spend hours in front of the mirror pining to be the “perfect” size 7 shoe, so why give that treatment to the rest of your body? You shouldn’t, says Susan Albers, a clinical psychiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic. “It can be a big leap to go straight from ‘I hate my body’ to ‘I love my body,’ so I tell my clients to work on acceptance, first. We accept our foot size and don’t try to change it, and we can do the same with our body,” she says. (Here are some everyday tricks to remind yourself how worthy you truly are.)
Have a love fest with your body
Just like there are parts of your body that you may not love, there are also parts you probably do. Remember and celebrate those parts of yourself. If you struggle to find something positive about yourself, Dr. Albers suggests remembering the compliments you’ve received from family, friends, or strangers. “Think about the positive feedback you’ve gotten, such as ‘I love your hair,’ or ‘Your eyes are stunning,'” she says. (Here are some more habits that’ll help you develop killer self-confidence.)
Embrace the notion that everyone is different
Instead of comparing yourself to models or celebrities you follow on Instagram, switch your mindset and focus on how everyone is different and no person is better or worse than another. “Comparison is such a destructive bomb to self-esteem. Don’t think, ‘She’s better,’ ‘She’s skinnier,’ or ‘I’m fatter,'” says Dr. Albers. “Instead, focus your mind on how everyone is different and just because they may weigh less, it doesn’t mean they’re better than you.”
Focusing on what makes you happy can actually make you happy
It can be hard to ignore your physical appearance—in fact, nearly 85 percent of women report opting out of social activities when they feel bad about how they look. But that’s a big mistake. When you’re feeling down about yourself, Dr. Albers suggests actively seeking out an activity that brings you joy. “When you’re doing something you love, whether it’s pottery or exercise or reading a good book, your focus on your appearance goes out the window, because you’re so in the moment and focusing on other things,” she says. (Plus, learn how positive thinking can transform your life.)
Invest in three fabulous outfits
We all have those mornings when it seems like nothing in the closet fits how we want it to that day. Stave off a permanent bad mood by stacking your wardrobe with a few outfits you always feel good in. “Wear those when you’re having a day where you don’t feel good in anything,” says Dr. Albers.
Stop looking at clothing sizes because they don’t matter
Constantly looking at clothing tag sizes can become a vicious cycle of self-hate—plus, each clothing brand fits differently, so one size won’t always fit the same. “I recommend taking three different sizes into the fitting room and not looking at the size when you try them on,” says Dr. Albers. “Nobody sees the size, so focus on which pair of jeans you really feel comfortable in.” The more comfortable you feel in an outfit, the more confidently you’ll carry yourself and the better you’ll feel.
(Psst: Here’s what we’ve gotten wrong with body inclusivity.)
Write yourself kind messages
“Put notes of positive inspiration around to remind yourself to focus on the big picture, instead of obsessing over the little imperfections,” says Dr. Albers. Post sticky notes with positive affirmations on the bathroom mirror, or pick up a tube of bright lipstick and scribble them right on the reflection.
It’s OK to accept compliments, even if you don’t believe they’re true
“When we don’t feel good about ourselves, it’s natural to excuse people’s compliments or turn them down by talking negatively about ourselves in return,” says Dr. Albers. “Instead, be open to them and practice saying, ‘Thank you,’ even if you don’t believe them at that moment. The more you start taking compliments instead of shutting them down, the better you’ll feel in the long-run.”
Use social media as inspiration
It can be all too easy to fall into the abyss that is #bodygoals on Instagram. To keep it positive, unfollow any accounts that constantly make you feel bad about yourself. “Only follow people who are positive and inspiring,” says Dr. Albers. “Scrolling through your phone and seeing only positive messages can really shift your mood.”
Shame and guilt don’t sustain long-term motivation
“Those negative feelings might motivate you for a day, but what you end up doing is avoiding the things you feel bad about, so then you’re no longer making progress,” says Dr. Albers. If you do catch yourself talking down about yourself, follow it up with something positive.
Put a positive spin on your desire to change
It’s perfectly fine to want to change things about your body. The key is to view those changes as positive instead of negative. That means instead of saying, “I need to lose weight, my thighs are so fat,” think to yourself, “I’m going to tone these thighs of mine.” Focus on changing to be stronger, better, and healthier, says Dr. Albers. (Also, try these tricks to stop negative self-talk.)
It’s OK to say “no”
“Part of building confidence is having good boundaries,” says Dr, Albers. “Practice saying ‘no’ to situations that you know will make you uncomfortable or unhappy.” Eventually, it’ll just roll off the tongue.
Next, learn how to boost your body image in 10 minutes or less.
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