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National Nude Day: Loving your body
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Photo taken by jaimelondonboy
July 14th is National Nude Day, where nudists around the world rejoice. For those of us non-nudists, it can be hard to imagine living in a nudist colony, running in a nudist race, going to a nudist beach or vacationing in a nudist resort. Some of us are not even comfortable looking at our own bodies in private let alone imagine being comfortable wearing our birthday suit in front of others as a result of poor body image.
What is body image?
Body image is how you perceive and picture yourself body. How do you feel about your body? How do you feel in your body? How do you think others perceive you? You can take an online body image questionnaire to gauge where your body image falls. Everyone has body image; some people have positive body image, others have negative, and others fluctuate along the continuum.
Why do people have bad body image?
There are many reasons that people develop unhealthy attitude about their body and physical appearance including the media, societal pressure, family attitudes, cultural norms and peer influences. Eating disorders and poor body image are not only found in girls and women- boys and men are affected too! Eating disorders are also found in many countries across many cultures.
How do I improve my body image?
Try some of these ideas out. Some people are not able to overcome negative body image and disordered eating on their own. Please seek professional help from a licensed psychologist or other mental health professional if necessary. They are there to help.
- Treat your body with respect
- Recognize that everyone is unique- no two people have the same genetics and biology, so try not to compare yourself to others
- Focus on characteristics you like about yourself, including traits that are not related to your appearance or weight
- Focus on what your body can accomplish
- Engage in positive self-talk
- Acknowledge compliments from others
- Compliment yourself
- Use positive self help materials such as books, videos, and mantras
- Try something new with your body such as yoga or martial arts
- Keep a journal of positive things you accomplish each day
- Gather support from friends and family
For more information:
The Body Image Workbook by Thomas F. Cash
Weighing Your Options: A Guided Workbook For Body Image and Disordered Eating by Jennifer Craig, LCSW
When Women Stop Hating Their Bodies by Jane Hirschmann and Carol Munter
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