Positive Body Image

By Kristen Sohlman, HBA, RP

Photo by DZ Photography

After participating in a recent staff photoshoot, I began to think more about positive body image. What I noticed was that a group of strong, capable, and resilient woman started to question themselves. More specifically, they and myself included, started questioning their physical selves, their bodies, and in doing so, themselves. It is likely that while these negative self-judgments were being said out loud because it was a photoshoot, that these feelings were likely present long before the photoshoot itself but perhaps were silently said in the minds of myself and my co-workers. It is a very common issue for people to have negative images, thoughts, and feelings about themselves and their physical self.  How does one begin to accept who they are and feel good about their body at the same time?

Body image, or the perception that a person has of their physical self and the thoughts and feelings that result from that perception, is a multidimensional construct that includes four key concepts:

1. Perceptual body image: How you see your body.
2. Affective body image: How you feel about your body.
3. Cognitive body image: How you think about your body.
4. Behavioural body image: The way you behave as a result of your perceptual, affective, and cognitive body image.

When you have a positive body image, you are able to accept, appreciate, and respect your body.  It is important to remember that this does not mean that you won’t feel any insecurities or think that your body is perfect, but you come to accept and acknowledge any insecurities for what they are and believe that your body is as it should be, perfect for you! 
Positive body image requires:

• A good level of self-esteem: That is, you value yourself and believe that others can appreciate you and enjoy your company.
• A positive attitude: Having a positive attitude allows you to accept your strengths and weaknesses.  You do not hold unrealistic ideals or standards about yourself that are impossible to achieve, you do not compare yourself to others, and you do not judge yourself or criticize yourself.
• Emotional stability: By maintaining a healthy connection with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions you can accept yourself for who you are and are better equipped to share your experiences with others. 

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So, what are some helpful ways to improve your own body image?

• Get to know yourself!  That does not just mean your physical self, explore the other sides of the self: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, etc.  You are a dynamic person!
• Focus on your strengths, the positive qualities, skills and talents that you have.  Look at yourself as a whole person.
• Practice positive self-talk daily, use positive affirmations, and shut down the negative self-defeating self-talk whether in your head or out loud. 
• Surround yourself with positive people.
• Do something nice for yourself and for others. 
• Appreciate and respect your body and what your body can do.
• Appreciate and notice the beauty of others, and this does not necessarily mean the physical beauty of others.  Appreciate the beauty in seemingly simple, ordinary, or unnoticed things in life. 
• Become critical and challenge unrealistic and unattainable ideals and standards that you notice by naming them, considering why they are unhealthy, talk about them with others, and find new ways of defining yourself and others. 

Ackerman, C. (2018). Positive Body Image: How to Feel Good About Your Body. Positive Psychology Program. [Web page] Retrieved from https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/positive-body-image/
National Eating Disorders Collaboration. (2017). What is body image? Australian Government Department of Health. [Web page] Retrieved from http://www.nedc.com.au/body-image