Body positivity | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

13 ways to Cultivate Body Positivity

A necessity for all of us.

332
13 ways to Cultivate Body Positivity
Instagram

In This Article:

I don't know if this is due to my age, my environment or society itself, but lately, I have been struggling with how I view my body. I also cannot begin to count how many conversations I've had with my friends, female and male alike, who express the same sort of struggles. Body image is a huge problem specifically with teens of our society - having an unfalteringly positive body image is so rare. So, on the days (or periods of life, really) that you fondness yourself dissatisfied, unhappy, self-conscious or even upset, it is so important to have concrete ways to remedy these early feelings. Since beginning this list of strategies, I've already felt more confident and more in control of my body and mind. Taking ownership of how you see your body is hugely important and underrated. So, I hope that these few tips give some perspective and maybe even some freed

1. Acquire a favorite perfume.

Smell good, feel good.

2. Drink SO MUCH WATER.

Invest in a cute water bottle that you love and take it everywhere.

3. Be naked a lot by yourself.

Dance naked. Do yoga naked. Don’t just be comfortable wit your body, but learn to love living in JUST your body.

4. Identify the things you want to IMPROVE

Key word: improve. Not things you dislike or that you're self conscious about- everything has room for improvement, and thats not a negative thing. Write out concrete, tangible ways to improve.

5. Be active, but in a way that makes you happy.

If you hate going to the gym, don't go to the gym!! Go on a beautiful hike, do a kickass ab workout to your fav tunes, or join a sport team!! There are so many ways to be active, there's bound to be one that doesn't make u wanna die, so it'll be easy to motivate yourself to do it.

6. Stop talking about “dieting.”

Eat healthy, but balanced, and certainly not less. Don't cut stuff out necessarily, just cut back. Treat yourself every once in a while, but mostly go for healthy, balanced options (remember, fats and carbs and protein are necessary!)

7. Take care of yourself.

Get your hair cut, trim your nails, get that shitty nail polish off, acquire a skin routine, use chapstick, shower often, shave often (if you so choose), and dear god, don't sleep with your makeup on.

8. Try to weigh yourself as little as possible.

Every so often, sure, just to make sure you're still at a healthy weight. But don't do it every day, or every week, even. A five pound fluctuation is basically negligible.

9. Buy clothes that you fit in well and that make you feel confident.

If you're on the fence about something, odds are you're not gonna wear it. Also, even if it's the cutest dress in the world, if it's not comfortable too, don't buy it.

10. Sleep well, consistently, and enough.

11. Unfollow those crazy Instagram models who look unreal.

They are unreal, and you don't need them in your feed.

12. Mental health translates to physical.

If you need to take a mental health day, DO IT. If you work on your mind, you will feel better in every aspect.

13. Listen to your body.

Everyone is different- if you're working out and you feel fatigued, take a breather. If you have a food intolerance, stop eating whatever it is, even if you love it with all of your heart. If you think something is wrong somewhere, get it checked out. You know your body more than you think you do- listen and care.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

554
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15525
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3191
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments