Simple Ways to Boost a Positive Body Image for a Happier Life

In the modern world, with AI technology, social media platforms, news media, and societal ideals, maintaining a positive body image is challenging. For many people, especially women, negative thoughts and beliefs cause a widening gap between who God says we are and what we perceive in the mirror. Improving how we see ourselves will boost confidence and ultimately bring us closer to our Creator.

Tips for Boosting a Positive Body Image

Boosting a positive body image involves retraining your mind to think more positively, challenging false beliefs and negative thoughts, and making lifestyle changes to break bad habits. Some changes can feel uncomfortable until you get used to them. If you choose Christian counseling at this time, your counselor can recommend strategies tailored to your personal circumstances.

The following are several tips for promoting a positive body image.

Unfollow Social Media Profiles that Encourage Negative Body Image or Shaming

Social media is a wonderful way to stay connected with loved ones, friends, and acquaintances. However, social media can also feed us messages regarding how the world expects us to look and act. This can be detrimental to our mental health. Unfollow specific profiles that encourage negative body image or promote body shaming.

Start a Gratitude Prayer Journal

It is so easy for us to complain about our bodies and appearance. But how often do we take the time to appreciate what our bodies can do? Do we compliment ourselves as others do, or is it constant criticism? Recording your grateful thoughts in a prayer journal can help you see yourself not only in a different light but also as a son or daughter of God. Changing your perspective on how God sees you can be the breakthrough you need.

Keep in Mind Your Intrinsic Traits

Your beauty isn’t only on the outside. Your intrinsic traits make up who you are and how you strive to become Christ-like. For example, these traits can include generosity, kindness, patience, joy, peace, and goodness. Read over the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) to see the traits a Spirit-filled Christian should exhibit. Focus on strengthening and displaying these traits over body image.

Learn to Challenge and Reframe Negative Thoughts

Not every thought or feeling is true. They can be strong, intrusive, and feel true, but be false. Learn to challenge and reframe negative thoughts and beliefs about your body and appearance. Counseling can introduce you to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help you identify and shift thoughts to change resulting behaviors and emotions.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is not a spa treatment (although it could be). Self-care can be any activity that helps you feel your personal best. This could be a 15-minute break to read a novel, time to listen to a playlist, taking a long shower or bath, shopping at the thrift stores for “new” clothes, or indulging in a new hobby. Make a list of activities that make your heart happy.

Working on a Positive Body Image and Need a Helping Hand?

Learning the skills required to boost positive body image and challenge negative thoughts takes time and effort. Christian counseling can provide you with the strategies to overcome intrusive thoughts, identify false beliefs, and encourage a faith-based view of yourself. Contact the center today to schedule an assessment with a Christian counselor. We can help you see yourself through God’s eyes.