How Much Do You Really Love Your Body?

"To be in the skin you are in is a true honour."

I have recently learned a lot about eating disorders at University. I found myself thinking that it must be awful to have an eating disorder and how it must be horrible to not love your own body. But then I started thinking about my own body. The thoughts that popped up when I thought about my body were…my lazy eye, acne, yellow and crowded teeth, tummy fat, back and other body pains, wrinkles, stretch marks, scars and bloating.

When I really thought about it my body made me angry. Why couldn’t I ever look good in photos? Why couldn’t I have the perfect body? Why can’t I turn back the clock and stop myself from putting on weight? Why don’t I receive more compliments each day about my looks? Why had my body let me down?

Wowser. That is a lot of negative thoughts just from thinking about my body. I was quite alarmed. Maybe it is not just people that have eating disorders that battle with their self-image, maybe everyone does. I decided I need to take some actionable steps to get to know my body and to learn to love it more. After all, it is the only body I have. Here are some self-love practices I implemented.

Write down 10 things that you love about yourself every day for 7 days (this was hard for me at first but by the end things came to me more easily)

With either a mirror pen or a post it note, put an affirmation on your mirror that addresses your deepest body fear. My affirmation is “I am beautiful and photogenic at all times.” Say this 10 times in the mirror each day (remember to breath in between takes to let it soak in).

Self-massage. When you get out of the shower or bath give yourself a self-massage with coconut oil or moisturiser. When you touch each body part – tell it that you love it. (This goes for you too men).

Know that you cannot change your body overnight but you can change your thoughts today.

Know that your imperfections are perfect. Some people are bald. Some people have moles. Some people have hairy backs. All of these people have the ability to love and be loved regardless of their perceived imperfections.

So let me know in the comments below, what do you love about your body or what are your body fears? And if you have fears, how are you going to learn to conquer them?

Until next time, remember to stay committed to your wellness

Shalee x