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Home : Your Mental Health : 10 "Will-Powers" for Improving Body Image
10 "Will-Powers" for Improving Body Image
From the National Eating Disorders Association
Compiled by Margo Maine, Ph. D.
- Twice a day, everyday, I will ask myself: "Am I benefiting from focusing on what I believe are the flaws in my body weight or shape?"
- I will think of three reasons why it is ridiculous for me to believe that thinner people are happier or "better." I will repeat these reasons to myself whenever I feel the urge to compare my body shape to someone else's.
- I will spend less and less time in front of mirrors--especially when they are making me feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about my body.
- I will exercise for the joy of feeling my body move and grow stronger. I will not exercise simply to lose weight, purge fat from my body, or to "make-up for" calories I have eaten.
- I will participate in activities that 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, like dancing, swimming, etc., no matter what my shape or size!
- I will refuse to wear clothes that are uncomfortable or that I do not like but wear simply because they divert attention from my weight or shape. I will wear clothes that are comfortable and that make me feel comfortable in my body.
- I will list 5-10 good qualities that I have, such as understanding, intelligence, or creativity. I will repeat these to myself whenever I start to feel bad about my body.
- I will practice taking people seriously for what they say, feel, and do, not for how slender, or "well put together" they appear.
- I will surround myself with people and things that make me feel good about myself and my abilities. When I am around people and things that support me and make me feel good, I will be less likely to base my self-esteem on the way my body looks.
- I will treat my body with respect and kindness. I will feed it, keep it active, and listen to its needs. I will remember that my body is the vehicle that will carry me to my dreams!
I will choose to take care of myself and my body!
References:
Freedman, R., Body Love. NY: Harper & Row, 1988.
Levine, M.P., & Hill, L., 5 Day Lesson Plan on Eating Disorders. Columbus, OH: NEDO, 1991.
Maine, M., Father Hunger. Carlsbad, CA: Gurze Books, 1991.
Rodin, J., Body Traps. NY: William Morrow, 1992.
For more information, contact Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention, Inc. at 603 Stewart St., Suite 803, Seattle, WA 98101, 1-800-931-2237. www.nationaleatingdisorders.org copyright 2000 EDAP.
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