LOVE YOUR BODY
Myjellybean.com gets hundreds of letters from teenage girls who are unhappy with the way their bodies look. That's a lot of unhappiness... and it's all for nothing!
Stop Being So Hard On Yourself!
Punishing yourself for not having a perfect body is crazy. Your body is "perfect" if it WORKS - period. If you have ever looked with pity at someone who was missing a limb, or had to use a wheelchair, you know that's true. Being happy in having a body that does what you need it to - like walking into a loved one's arms, dancing to music, being able to jump for joy - is true happiness. Compared to not having a body that works, having a few extra pounds or a patch or cellulite can seem pretty unimportant.
It's About Being Positive
Happy people attract others through their confidence and great attitude. And if you don't love yourself - including your outer package - you cannot really be happy. Unfortunately, girls are constantly bombarded by attacks on their self-esteem from "perfect" images in the media. So how can you cope?
Look In the Mirror, Not at Fashion Mags
Be honest with yourself and practice self-acceptance. Due to genetics and body types, not everyone can be as thin as Britney Spears. (Not to mention, she has a personal chef and three personal trainers!) But we CAN all be healthy. Instead of comparing yourself to a model on the cover of a magazine, or a superstar singer, look in the mirror to find your own standard of beauty. If you love yourself, body quirks and all, you can protect yourself from dangerous media stereotypes.
Here are Myjellybean.com's Top 10 Tips for Loving Your Body:
Quit dividing your body into parts.
"I like my thighs but I hate my fat stomach," for example. This kind of thinking is harmful to your self-image. Your are not a collection of parts, you are a whole person. Appreciate how well your whole body works together to keep you going strong. Love the whole you.
Stop teasing your body with food.
Don't punish your body by playing mind games with food. Food is not the enemy. Eat healthy but don't obsess. Allowing yourself to enjoy treats helps prevent bingeing and keeps you in control. Food is the fuel we need to keep our bodies going. Give your body good fuel, and it will keep up with you. Starve your body, and it will rebel and make you sick.
Uncover the whole you.
Focus on who you are and not just on what your body looks like. Acknowledge the whole you and not just your body. What are your gifts, talents, and dreams? What have you done to uncover your hidden assets? How many lives have you touched? How is the world a better place because you are in it? Feel beautiful. You are!
Be your own best friend.
Speak lovingly and positively to yourself. Fight negative self-talk by complimenting yourself. Look for the good and praise it. Remind yourself how wonderful you are.
Experience joy.
Take pleasure in just being alive. Be grateful for all you have and all that you are able to experience. Life is too short to be miserable over the external things that will fade away with time. Focus on living each moment from the inside out.
Pamper your body.
Treat yourself to a facial, a manicure, or a pedicure. Indulge in a long, hot bubble bath. Wear a wonderful fragrance. Treat your body like something you treasure!
Be realistic.
Take a good look at the other real bodies around you. The majority of people are not models. Appreciate the beauty of your own body and stop comparing yourself to glossy media images. You are a real person in three dimensions.
Exercise your body.
Learn the basics of exercise and set realistic goals. Your focus should always be on your health. Be the star of your own fitness program. Walk, run, bicycle, or do yoga. Exercise makes you feel good about your body, and it makes your body feel good. Indulge your body in fun, feel-good activities often.
Find your own style.
Dress up your self-esteem by taking care of your appearance. Wear clothes that are flattering to your figure no matter what size you wear. Stop waiting until you lose a "little more weight" before feeling good about yourself.
Ask for support and encouragement.
Ask for TLC from family and friends when life is stressful or you are feeling down. Being around others who love you can remind you just why you are so loveable.