1. Challenge the negative thoughts

We’re channelling self love, bestie! You can’t hate yourself into a body that you love, so it’s time to actively fight against any negative thoughts and beliefs in your head, and separate yourself so you no longer engage with them.

Think of that inner mean girl in your head as a little bully – give her (or him, or them!) a name, and any time those thoughts pop up, stand up to that bully! Who are they to ruin your day? How are these thoughts even helpful?

It can help to visualise this bully as someone external to yourself, to make it easier to push away, or at the very least, commit to not taking any action (like changing your food/movement) as a result of those thoughts.

2. Care for your body from the inside out

If you’ve had any instances of using exercise as punishment to burn as many calories as possible, restricted your food despite being hungry, or skipped social events because of a bad body image day, you’ve been letting that bully get the best of you.

Lets turn it around and start actively caring for yourself, smothering yourself with kindness! We’re talking gentle movement in a way you really enjoy, giving space for more rest days, regularly prioritising self care, eating foods that make you feel good, and getting enough good quality sleep! It’s far easier to love a body you’re actively taking good care of!

3. Focus on body functionality

Think of all the wonderful things your body does for you! Even if it doesn’t look the way you want it to, or you have your own physical limitations, your body still does amazing things for you each and every day with millions of moving parts whose sole responsibility to keep you alive, isn’t that so cool?!

Think of what else you can DO with your body, whether your legs allow you to hike mountains, or your mind houses your favourite memories, or your toes can feel the warm sand on your favourite beach days, or your arms can scoop up your favourite tiny human or pet, as well as celebrating your wins and improvements along your fitness journey such as conquering a new lift, increasing your strength, or being able to run faster or for longer!

4. Surround yourself with positive influences

If you find yourself constantly comparing to others on social media, it’s time for a clean out!

Unfollow or mute anyone that doesn’t align with your goals and values, and aim to seek out accounts with more body diversity to help you have more reminders that you can love the skin you’re in however you look!

It’s also important to take this same approach in real life too – set healthy boundaries with those around you and get comfortable stepping away from conversations that centre around criticizing bodies, aiming to have more positive, uplifting energy around you!

Practice complimenting others without it being based on appearance (such as “I love your energy” or “I really appreciate how supportively you show up for me”).

5. Appreciate yourself as a whole, amazing person!

What do you love about yourself that has nothing to do with your body?

Sometimes our negative body thoughts can get in the way of being able to showcase those positive qualities, such as deciding not to attend an event because you can’t find anything to wear that feels good, or being so consumed by fears of weight gain/calories at a dinner that you can’t even be present with those around you.

Remember that the parts of you that matter most and have a genuine impact in life (both to yourself, and to those around you) aren’t about your appearance. Your soul, your kindness, your loyalty, your energy, your sense of humour…. You can showcase any and all of these qualities in whatever body you’re in today – you’re lovable just as you are!