Tips for Low Self-Image Days

Let's be real, we all have days where we look in the mirror and don't love what we see. While people are preaching self-love and body positivity, it doesn't always feel like a realistic goal. Love everything about yourself all the time? Is anyone actually able to do that?

Here's the thing...you don't have to love everything about your body in order to respect it. For most, coming to a place of body acceptance is a more realistic end-goal. But what about the days when you're really not liking what you see? How do you deal with low self-image days while still respecting the skin you're in?

1. Identify the Source

Can you pinpoint something specific that's influencing your body image today? Maybe it's a certain pair of pants? A phone call with a friend or family member? Maybe you ate a salty meal and now you're feeling bloated? Often times there's a reason we get down on our body. Think critically. Did something happen that's making you feel this way? Write it down.

2. Identify what you're Feeling

What exactly are you feeling? Is it discomfort? Maybe your clothes are digging into you today, or your stomach feels bloated and it's bringing up some negative self-talk. Maybe you're feeling some anxiety about recent body changes, or you keep replaying negative comments someone has made about your body. When you discover what you're feeling, write it down.

3. Ask yourself "What do I need right now?"

Even after identifying them, negative emotions and feelings towards your body may not disappear right away. In the meantime, ask yourself "what will make it easier to get through the day?" What can you do in this moment to support your body? Maybe you need to change into more comfortable clothes, maybe you need to take a rest, or maybe you need to start replacing some of that negative self-talk with some positive affirmations.

4. Replace Negative Self-Talk with Positive Self-Talk

We're so used to being critical of ourselves, that positive self-talk or creating affirmations can feel foreign at first. This is one of those things where the more times you do it, the more automatic it becomes. Every time you feel yourself critiquing your body, repeat a positive affirmation. This may be something like "my body is not broken and does not need to be fixed" or "my body will change, my worth will not". Access my list of positive affirmations in the worksheet below, or create your own.

5. Allow yourself some Self-Compassion

If it's difficult to allow yourself some grace, ask yourself "If a friend was feeling this way, what would I say to them?" Often, we are much kinder to our friends and family than we are to ourselves. Start noticing the differences between your self-dialogue and the conversation you would have with someone else. Remember, you deserve to give yourself the same amount of compassion you give to others.

Need some more help? I've created a summary of the tips above along with a worksheet to help you deal with low self-image days. Sign up below.

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