5 Tips on Improving Body Image
Hello, Girl Fit community! My name is Yurika Tarui, and I am a rising junior in high school. I am also a virtual intern at Girl Fit Physical Therapy this summer! I have been a client at Girl Fit Physical Therapy since it started four years ago, and it has always had a special place in my heart. I resonated with their mission statement of empowering female athletes, and Girl Fit has inspired me to pursue a career in sports medicine. I also connected with their mission of supporting girls’ mental and physical wellbeing, especially as a competitive athlete in an aesthetic sport.
As a figure skater and former ballet dancer, I have had my fair share of body image dissatisfaction and distress. Unfortunately, I am far from alone: thousands of young girls participate in aesthetic sports, including figure skating, gymnastics, dance, diving, and horseback riding. Even in other sports, there is still a high emphasis on body shape and size, especially for females.
Over the years, I have accumulated a few tips to help combat my negative body image thoughts and develop a healthier relationship with my body. While I still have a long way to go, I have found these strategies beneficial for myself and others.
1. Focus on what your body does for you
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- Our bodies are amazing creations. One cell multiplies into 30 trillion cells that collaborate to keep your body functioning every day of your life. Your legs allow you to walk, your arms allow you to hug, and your brain allows you to think. When you find yourself criticizing your appearance, take that moment to appreciate your body for carrying you through your life. Your body is so much more than what it looks like on the outside.
2. Practice body neutrality
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- Body positivity has been flooding social media platforms recently, challenging society’s narrow definition of beauty. Loving your body is a beautiful act, but for many, it can seem far-fetched or even impossible after years of body hatred. Body neutrality takes a different approach to body acceptance, where the focus is taken away from your appearance. Like the first strategy, body neutrality aims to bring appreciation for our body’s functions and remove the emotional connotation with appearance, positive or negative. It centers around the concept that it’s ok to not love your body, AND you can respect it at the same time.
3. Step away from the numbers
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- Numbers are a slippery slope because they can quickly become obsessive and blind us from the bigger picture. Not to mention, these numbers can be highly inaccurate. Weight can fluctuate 5-6 pounds a day, clothing sizes vary significantly by brand, and calorie counters fail to account for the numerous factors that influence our metabolisms. When we allow extrinsic numbers to define our self-worth, we ignore our values, relationships, and impact on others, essentially dehumanizing ourselves. A number will never be able to authentically encompass who we truly are.
4. Take care of your body and mind
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- Amidst our busy, chaotic lives, take time to incorporate time for yourself into your daily routine. Self-care isn’t limited to bubble baths and face masks. Reading a book, listening to your favorite music, taking a walk, or cooking a favorite meal are ways to relax, recharge, and show your body some compassion. A healthy body and mind will also help you combat your negative self-talk and give you the energy to focus on your passions.
5. Challenge what you view on social media
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- It’s no understatement to say that social media can be a toxic environment, especially for young girls. With Photoshop and Facetune ingrained in our culture, it’s easy to fall in the comparison trap and demean ourselves for not meeting impossible beauty standards. The next time you find yourself feeling bad because of how someone else looks, remember that social media is a highlight reel and doesn’t represent real life. On that same note, consider unfollowing or muting these people and start diversifying your feed by following body liberation activists such as @chr1styharrison, @bodyposipanda, and @i_weigh.
Making peace with your body is not a linear journey, and that’s ok! Just like it didn’t take you a day to develop your negative body image thoughts, it won’t take a day to get rid of them. With practice and time, you will gradually learn to respect your body and appreciate everything it does for you. Remember: your body was never the problem.
I wish you all the best of luck on your journeys!
Yurika Tarui
