What are your reasons for wanting to lose weight? Is it to get fit? Eat better? Do you feel you need to change the way you look or are you interested in the health benefits? It’s easy to get caught up in making healthy changes for reasons of physical appearance, which may be more self-destructive than helpful. In fact, people with positive self-images are able to meet and maintain their goals better than those who don’t and who are making changes to “fix” the way they look. Improve your self-image with the following tips:
- Say “I love you” daily. You may tell your spouse/partner, children, pet, etc. every day you love them, but how often do you say it to yourself?
- Practice a power pose. When you start to feel down and uncomfortable, stand like Superman. Check your posture, place your hands on your hips, elbows up and out to your sides, eyes straight ahead and chin slightly up. It may feel silly, but it can be a great confidence booster.
- Keep an inventory of all of the things you like about yourself. Add to it daily or weekly. You’ll be amazed at how much you like about yourself!
- Talk to yourself as you would a loved one. Would you ever tell someone you cared about that they were fat, ugly or unattractive? Chances are the answer is no. Talking to yourself should be no different.
- Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Every time you put yourself down, make it a habit to compliment yourself twice immediately after.
- Silence your inner critic. Choose a word or phrase to stop yourself from thinking destructive thoughts. For example, stop; take it easy; let’s not go there; moving on, etc.
- Rather than criticizing yourself, try encouragement. If you’re feeling guilty that you didn’t meet a specific goal, consider what you can do next time to do better.
- Re-think your motivation. If exercising, losing weight and eating better are your goals, consider doing them to feel stronger, have more energy, sleep better and be healthier, rather than to “look better.”
- Don’t compare yourself to others. This is a very destructive habit. Focus on yourself, what you’ve accomplished and what you plan to do. Click here to learn more!
- Surround yourself with people who support you. By receiving support, encouragement and admiration from others, you’re more likely to feel better about yourself.
For Health Advocate members
If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the wellness coaching component of our Wellness Program, call us today to connect with a Wellness Coach. Our coaches can help you set healthy goals and support you as you strive to meet them.
If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the EAP+Work/Life program, call us to talk to a Licensed Professional Counselor or Work/Life Specialist. They can help you address concerns like self-esteem, stress management and more.
