Using Body Insecurity as a Catalyst for a Healthy Lifestyle

Body insecurity may sound innocuous, but it affects how you feel about yourself, your career, and your relationships. You can, however, use body insecurity to catapult you into a healthy lifestyle, boosting your self-confidence and changing your self-perceptions.

What is body insecurity?

Body insecurity (poor body image) seems to be prevalent in our society today. More people compare themselves to photos on social media that have been manipulated to hide flaws and enhance features. Comparing yourself to these images can leave you depressed and discontent with your appearance.

Add in other factors like trauma, abuse, neglect, peer pressure, and bullying, and you can understand why so many people struggle with body insecurity. On top of that, certain mental conditions like Body Dysmorphic Disorder and eating disorders can contribute to poor body image.

How to use body insecurity to make a change

Sometimes it takes an “ah-ha!” moment before we are ready to change our lives. Have you had that moment? That moment when you knew that if something did not change, your health and future would suffer?

Poor body image and the desire to feel confident can push you into making changes. You might be surprised at your future if you decide to place your health first and take the risk now. How might this look for you? It might mean making new supportive friends, consistently exercising, or setting boundaries so that others know your health is your priority.

You may want to make changes slowly, incorporating a weekly tip. Some activities will take longer and might require help from a counselor, such as reframing your thoughts and changing your behaviors. You may want to start with positive affirmations while getting dressed in the morning or walking the dog.

This journey to positive body image is personal. It is your journey to self-actualization and being the best version of yourself. That change is not easy or quick, but it is worth it. It may feel like barriers are blocking your way and it is scary. But what would you accomplish if you were not afraid? If nothing was standing in your way, what would you do?

Challenge your thoughts.

Your thoughts determine your actions and the words you speak. It is important to challenge those thoughts. Often, our thoughts are rooted in a belief that is not necessarily true. For example, were you bullied in school for your weight or appearance? Did people say mean things to you? Just because someone said something negative to hurt you does not make what they said true.

Yet, we grab these thoughts and hold them as a belief. Challenge those negative beliefs today. Hold them up to the light. You are far more than what society, or one person, views as ideal. Ask yourself where these thoughts stem from and search for the truth. This may take the help of a therapist, as long-held beliefs can be hard to change.

List your positive attributes.

Everyone can get caught up in the comparison game, pointing out and obsessing over flaws. It’s easy to forget that everyone has things that they view as problematic. Instead of focusing on what you consider “wrong,” why not list your positive attributes? Write down the physical and non-physical attributes that you love.

Do you love how your legs carry you throughout the day? Or the way your eyes glimmer when you apply cosmetics? Do you uphold your ability to persevere in the face of challenges? The attributes you have listed are from God, but it is easy to overlook them when you focus on what you do not have. Give thanks to God today for a body that can withstand the world’s pressures.

Keep your view of the media realistic.

When we consume a lot of media, such as magazines and television, we see photos of beautiful people living lives that, perhaps, we wish were ours. We watch our favorite celebrities in movies and television shows and yearn to look like them.

We need to keep a realistic eye open when watching television. Most of our favorite celebrities put in long hours to have that body as it is part of their career. Some may try fad diets or unhealthy extremes to reach a certain size by a specific date. This is not a healthy approach to weight loss, nor is it realistic and sustainable.

Filters and airbrushed techniques are used for the final product and movie posters. Instead of trying your favorite celebrity’s latest diet or exercise regimen, consider working with a personal trainer or researching how to make healthy adjustments online. Consistent progress will eventually show in a healthy body.

Watch your inner circle.

Unsupportive friends and family can contribute to body insecurity. If you have a friend who remarks about your weight or appearance, even as a joke, now may be the time to sit down with them and explain that they are hurting your feelings.

Some friendships are toxic. It may be that a friend of yours is jealous of something you have, so they say things to make you feel bad (and make themselves feel better). For example, your divorced friend may repeatedly point out the forty pounds you have recently gained or the larger clothes you must wear. This may even come out as a backhanded compliment.

It is important to consider what is really at work in that situation. Is your friend jealous of the happy marriage you share with your spouse? Does she secretly wish she was you, living with a great job, a beautiful home, and a sweet family?

Question the motives of others. For your sanity, it might be worth distancing yourself from those who seek to bring you down. Instead, surround yourself with body-positive people who want the best for you.

Use exercise to promote health.

Exercise has so many benefits for your physical, emotional, and mental health:

• Improves the cardiorespiratory system.
• Improves flexibility and balance.
• Lowers blood pressure and resting heart rate.
• Strengthens muscles, tendons, and bones.
• Releases tension and stress
• Reshapes the body.
• Lowers body fat percentage.
• Releases brain chemicals that make you feel happier.
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem.
• Improves body image.
• Provides an outlet to release emotions.

However, with all these benefits, most people do not consider exercise medicine. If you want to overcome body insecurity, ask your physician whether an exercise regimen is right for you.

There are so many exercises to try that will promote self-confidence and boost your self-esteem as the workouts improve your health.

• Walking
• Jogging
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Kickboxing
• Circuit training
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
• Weightlifting
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Tai-Chi
• Martial arts
• Dance
• Basketball
• Golf
• Softball

You can probably think of more exercises and sports that you can try this week.

Be good to yourself.

Changing your beliefs about your body will not happen overnight. It will take work. You may need the assistance of a counselor. But you can do this. You will have good and bad days, but hopefully, after implementing some psychological techniques, you will begin seeing more of those good days.

If you do speak negatively to yourself, catch that thought. Stop the thought as soon as you realize that you are putting yourself down or picking your body apart. Flip the narrative and remind yourself of your positive qualities. Give yourself grace and you will have the freedom to grow.

You are probably kind to countless people in your life, yet you are your own worst enemy. Practice kindness when it comes to yourself. You are human and learning to think differently, maybe for the first time in your adult life. Enjoy the process and love yourself right now, exactly as you are.

Find help from Christian counseling

Body insecurity can stem from many factors, but the good news is that help is available. A counselor can strategize with you about reframing negative thoughts, learning to accept your body where it is now, and making healthy choices.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with a counselor. We would love to walk through this season with you.