Did you know that approximately 91% of American women are unhappy with their bodies? Your body image refers to the way that you perceive your body and the way that you assume others perceive your body too.
Your body image can become severely warped; take the example of an anorexic girl who is convinced that other people view her as overweight. When it comes to body image there is one place that you need to start - and that is with yourself and your own thoughts. This article provides some simple top tips that will help you to improve your body image.
Get Clear
The first step to improving your body image is to get clear on what you really think about your current body shape and type. Take a pen and paper, clear your mind, and write down some of the words that you commonly use to describe your body. You can also keep a notepad with you throughout the day and write down any thoughts that you think that refer to your body. If you are concerned about your body image then the chances are you will be thinking negative and critical thoughts about your body throughout the day.
The good news is that you can change these thoughts. By becoming clear on your thought patterns about your body you are taking the first steps to changing it and creating a happier healthier picture of yourself.
What Do You Want?
Once you have completed the above step it is time to get clear on what you want. If someone could wave a magic wand and you could have your dream body what would it look like? This image may not always be attainable depending on your original body shape and features, but it does give you an idea of the direction that you want to head in. Rather than just saying you want to lose weight, think about it in more detail. How much weight would you need to lose in order to feel happy and confident on your own skin? Do you want to tone up? Do you want to have more energy and vitality? These are all things that all play a part in your body image.
Change Your Thoughts
After you have figured out what you really want you are ready to start changing your mindset to reflect your new thoughts and beliefs about yourself and what you are capable of. When you catch yourself thinking a negative thought about your body stop and replace it with something better. Be kinder to yourself, and know that you are taking the steps to improve both your body image and your overall health and fitness levels.
Set a Fitness Plan
Of course you will not be able to become a healthier person by thoughts alone, and that is why it is important to make a health and fitness plan and to set goals. You can do this by joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer or by joining a health and fitness program to help you to shape up and lose weight.
