In a culture obsessed with image and improving self on a daily basis, it is quite common for people to lose an appreciation for their bodies. Hundreds of thousands of people hit the gym to have the perfect beach bodies, and many participate in special diets or gimmicky weight-loss programs in order to have the bodies that they desire.
Even though fitness and being health conscious encourages people to be the best they can be, they also have a downside of putting the spotlight on imperfections that may cause insecurity. Working out to shape the body takes time and that process can be very frustrating for those going through it, especially when one doesn’t have such a positive outlook about his/her body to begin with. However, there are things that can be done to bring love and appreciation to the body you are working with today. Here are five things that can be done now to appreciate the skin you are in.
1. Recite positive affirmations using a mirror.
Positive affirmations are useful in helping to train the mind to remain on the upside of situations. By using uplifting words and phrases to speak love and life into yourself, appreciation for the body you currently have will begin to grow. These affirmations can be recited in the mind, but speaking them out loud and hearing yourself say these words while looking at your reflection in a mirror will help you have a greater belief in the words you tell yourself. If you don’t already own a long length mirror, purchase one to hang on your bathroom door or on the door of a closet in a room that makes you feel the most comfortable. Stand in front of that mirror first thing in the morning when you rise and take a full look at yourself from every angle. Look yourself in the eye and recite any of the following affirmations in whatever order you choose: “ I am beautifully and wonderfully made”, “My body is amazing”, “I am blessed with health and strength”, “My body is healthy and amazing”. You can create your own affirmations as you go along, just remember to keep the words positive and uplifting and compliment yourself. Pick out your best features and say positive things about them.
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2. Dance
Dancing has been used for centuries as a tool to awaken the spirit within and to send praises to various deities. Get on your feet and get your body moving while focusing your mind on appreciating how your body feels as you move to the rhythm of the beat of your favorite song. What type of dance you do doesn’t matter as long as you are moving and loving the skin you are in as you do so.
3. Buy something new to wear
Buying a new outfit that fits well and represents your personal style is always a way to appreciate your body. Choose clothing options that flatter your body type and select colors that bring out the undertones of the skin. Getting help from an image consultant or a stylist is a great way to ensure you are choosing the right options for you. You will be amazed at how adding a few new pieces to your wardrobe will make you feel like a brand new person.
READ: KeKe Palmer Promotes Having A Positive Body Image
4. Take care of you
Eating healthy, limiting the use of substances that are harmful to the body, exercising regularly and keeping your hair, skin and nails groomed are all necessary activities for showing appreciation to your body. If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you and the level of appreciation and love that you have for yourself will increase as you cherish the skin you are in.
5. Take baths
Baths are a great way to learn to appreciate the body while in a relaxing soak. Adding bath salts, bubble bath, sea salt or “bath milk” to the water is an excellent way to soften the skin and make any man or woman feel amazing. Use an exfoliating sponge or gloves to massage your body while soaking, and with each caress appreciate the feeling of your skin and the shape of your body as it is. This is a time to love on yourself, so make bath time a special and sacred time. Light a few scented candles, play your favorite relaxing music and appreciate yourself.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Whole Health Living center for more articles.
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