Ten Resolutions to Improve Body Image

  1. Twice a day, every day, I will ask myself: What do I really gain from preoccupation with what I believe are defects in my weight and shape?
  2. I will think of three reasons why my assumption that thinner people are happier and “better” is untrue. I will repeat these to myself whenever I feel the urge to compare my body shape with that of another person.
  3. I will spend less and less time in front of mirrors of any type and focus more on how I feel on the inside.
  4. I will exercise for the joy of feeling my body move and function effectively.
  5. I will not avoid activities I enjoy, even if they call attention to my weight and shape. I will constantly remind myself that I deserve to do things I enjoy (e.g., dancing, swimming, sunbathing) no matter what my shape!
  6. I will refuse to wear clothes that are uncomfortable or that I dislike, simply because they divert attention from my weight or shape.
  7. On my own, or with the help of loved ones, I will list 5-10 good qualities I have, such as empathy, intelligence, or creativity. I will repeat these to myself whenever I veer toward negative thoughts.
  8. I will practice taking people in general, and women in particular, seriously for what they say, feel, and do – not for how slender, or “put-together” they appear.
  9. I will develop activities and relationships that enrich my self-concept, thereby making it less likely that my self-esteem will revolve around feelings about my appearance.
  10. I will give my body what it really needs, including moderate exercise, healthful foods, sensual pleasures, and relaxation, and my body will respond by treating me better."

Inspired by Sarai Walker’s "Building a Better Body Image" and “10 things you can do” from About-Face.org

Resources

References

About Face. Making Changes, Empower, “10 thins you can do.” http://www.about-face.org/mc/empower/
Walker S. "Body Image: Building a Better Body Image" Our Bodies Ourselves, Health Resource Center. Boston Women's Health Book Collective, Inc. Jan 2005 http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=1&compID=6 8May 2010.