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 where the Negativity is Coming From

First and foremost try to identify where the negativity is coming from. Can you pinpoint something specific that's influencing your body image today? Maybe it's a certain pair of pants or an outfit that's not fitting quite right? Maybe you had a phone call or an encounter with a friend or family member that didn't go as planned? 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? 

2. Identify what you're Feeling

Once you've identified why you're picking on your body today, it's time to reflect on what exactly you are 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 and you're feeling hurt and sad. When you discover what you're feeling, write it down and give yourself permission to feel your feelings.

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

Even after identifying them, it's unlikely that negative emotions and feelings towards your body will disappear right away. However, there are likely things that you can do to feel a bit better right away. Ask yourself "what do I need right now" or "what will make it easier to get through the day?" Are there things that you can you do right now, 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. Pick one thing that you think would help you right here, right now, and start with that. It doesn't have to be something big or long, just something that will make you feel a little bit better right now.

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

We're so used to being critical of ourselves, positive self-talk or creating positive affirmations can feel very 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 "I am more than just my body" or "my body is not broken and does not need to be fixed" or "my body will change, my worth will not". If you can't think of anything, I can help. Access my list of positive affirmations in the worksheet below. Feel free to take one of those and tweak it as necessary. It should feel authentic and natural to you.

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? Did you know that I offer a free discovery call to see if I would be a good fit for you? Let's chat.

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