jet-in-a-box

Self-image can impact your life in all areas. How you feel about your body is visible in how you communicate with others, what jobs you apply for and even how you handle your relationships. Get your life in order and feel better about your body by following these steps.

1. Focus on your best attributes. No matter how bad you feel about your body, there is bound to be something that you like. Hopefully it is more than one thing. Make a list of the things you love about your body. Do you have a great smile, cute feet or sparkling green eyes? Take an inventory of your body looking for the things you like and then write them down.
2. Get out with your friends. Stop dwelling on your physical form and get out of the house. Spend time with friends and family. Let this time remind you that there are people who love you and who don't care what you look like. Remember that people care about you for what is on the inside. Your friends might also point out the best parts of your body and how you can play up your attributes.
3. Smile just because. It is difficult to think bad thoughts when you are smiling. It is even harder to put yourself down with negative talk with a smile on your face. When you feel tempted to feel bad or get depressed about your physical form, try smiling for a minute and see if it turns you around.
4. Practice positive self talk. After the smile, you can keep the positive feelings going with a little self-talk. Remind yourself that you are an amazing person no matter what you look like. Then review the list you created in step one. Tell yourself what fabulous hands you have or how your smile is appreciated all over town.

(written by: Sarah Carter)