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POSITIVE BODY IMAGE: FOCUS ON FITNESS
taken from Fitness Management by Barbara A. Brehm, Ed.D
"If only I had long legs like my sister……I wish I could
still fit into those size 10-clothes that are hanging in my closet……If
only I could lose just 10 pounds from around my middle."
Most people have such thoughts every now and then. It's no wonder we
experience discontent with our bodies: Look at movie starts and models.
Who could ever match this fat-free standard? Not too many of us! And
look at how we live: Half of all Americans really are overweight. We
do have cause for concern.
Some people, mostly women but some men too, spend a great deal of time
and energy worrying about their physical shape and size. Chronic body
dissatisfaction can be exhausting and demoralizing. It can also escalate
into full-blown eating disorders and depression. If this is the case
for you, get help!
Even garden-variety body dissatisfaction can get in the way of your
life. The resulting low self-esteem can interfere with good intentions
to exercise and eat nutritiously, as plans to improve self-care often
fall apart when you feel stressed or negative about yourself. Here are
some tips for improving the way you feel about your body and yourself
so that you can get on with your life, doing the best you can with what
you've got.
Focus on fitness, not fatness
If you need to lose some weight, focus on what's important: Improving
your lifestyle rather than attaining a specific weight goal. Your lifestyle
is really the only thing under control. A healthful lifestyle will eventually
help you reach the best achievable weight for you-a weight you can maintain
in good health. Avoid restrictive diets, since they lead to food craving,
failure and guilt.
Develop an enjoyable exercise program
Exercise for the right reasons: To be healthy and feel good. Exercise
builds self-confidence and appreciation for your body's power, endurance
and strength. Sports can help you appreciate your body's skill and agility.
Exercise helps you relax and feel good about your life. And, of course,
as a byproduct of your enjoyment, exercise can help you look better.
Exercise helps control weight and improves muscle definition.
Just say no to negative thoughts
If you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about your body, talk
back. For example, let's say you hear yourself thinking, "My legs
are so fat! I wish I looked like that model on the poster." Argue
back, "My legs are strong and they played a great game of tennis
yesterday. I'm lucky to have the good health I need to do all of the
wonderful things I do!"
Life's problems do not come from your appearance
Sometimes worrying about appearance diverts us from the real issues
as hand. Let's say you hear yourself saying, "If only I were thinner,
I would have a better job." Argue back, "My job is not a function
of my size, and losing weight will not get me a better job." Then
go on to address the problems you are facing at work, and try to come
up with some creative solutions.
Limit your exposure to mass media
The media inundate us with unrealistic "body models." We soak
up these impressions at both conscious and subconscious levels. Choose
carefully what you decide to view. If you have teens and preteens, teach
them to analyze the message they see in magazine and television advertisements.
Be a good role model
Avoid conversations about how imperfect your body is or about the latest
diet craze. Try not to talk about those who might need to lose weight.
Be aware of making judgments based on a person's appearance. Compliment
people on something besides how they look.
Get a life
Sarcasm aside, we feel good about ourselves when we accomplish something
of value. Rewarding hobbies and community service helps us feel productive
and connected to others.
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