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How can I look in the mirror and finally appreciate my body?

13 Answers
Last Updated: 08/04/2020 at 1:08pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United Kingdom
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Counselor

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Top Rated Answers
Heartfulhelp
September 16th, 2015 4:44pm
Look at all the things you like and be positive. Realise that you are gorgeous the way you are and that your thighs are not huge and that they are the things keeping you standing and that your stomach is a place where your organs are kept and they need cushioning to protect them. Realise that you are beautiful for the way you are and you don't need an eating disorder to make you happy
1111listener
March 13th, 2017 9:49am
One thing that always helps me is to drop comparisons. Every human is different and so is every body. Learn to love the body you have an accept and cherish it for what it is.(:
Morgan12905
February 20th, 2018 2:28am
What I've learned, Is that it takes a really, really long time. At one point I had anorexia, It was so bad that I would go weeks without eating. I dont really know what happened but one day i realized that the only person who can make me see my self-worth was me. I hope dearly that one day something like that will happen to you, until then stay healthy and carry on
JustBeing22
January 22nd, 2015 11:18pm
I've been struggling with this for years and years but I think I've begun to crack it. I stand there for a very long time just looking, I focus on the things that I'm not too happy with, or that I want to change. I ask myself why I want to change them, is it for me or for someone else? If its for someone else I tell myself not to define myself based on other people's opinions and I focus on something else. If its for me I ask if changing it would be healthy, if its not I focus on another aspect. If it is, i think about how I would go about changing it and if it is doable. If its not I accept it and move on. If it is, I set myself goals, things to aim for but not to be controlled by. This makes me appreciate the things I am happy with, learn to accept the things I'm not, and motivate me to change the things that I can. And its beginning to work.
milkteeth
April 24th, 2015 10:04pm
Acceptance is the first step. You may never fully love your body, but accepting its state is a good start. Remind yourself of what your body can do (maybe you have thick thighs, but they're great at helping you run, or you might have crooked teeth but they do their job. Maybe your arms are thin and wiry, but you can still give people hugs, hold hands.) Little reminders like that. And reminders that even if you hate your body, your body is always there for you. If you get hurt, your body is constantly trying to help you heal. Your body isn't always a definite reflection of you, and you are so much more than your body, but accepting and loving your body are good steps to helping you get happier and healthier.
Anonymous
July 7th, 2015 1:17am
If you want to appreciate your body and yourself you would want to start to say for like 2 weeks in a mirror once you wake up 'your beautiful' say that with confidence because eveyone should be confident of there appearance and thars what i want from you
heartfulleigh60
August 31st, 2015 4:43pm
Positive affirmations, all day, every day. I am beautiful, I am enough. If that's too much at first, begin with the small things. I like my eyebrows, or my freckle on my cheek. It's so easy in this society to feel inadequate or pressure to change. In this case, I find it best to rely on the function of the body. What can my body do for me? I love the way my hands help me write. I love the way my ears help me listen. Start small, and continue on with the attitude of gratitude.
cherishedSoul
September 14th, 2015 3:57am
First, start by being happy with who you are. Know you are beautiful and amazing in your own unique way.
ashwarya
March 28th, 2016 1:59pm
According to me, nobody's perfect so it's time that you start embracing your flaws. Imperfection is beautiful.
Anonymous
April 11th, 2016 3:56pm
What worked for some of my friends was when they looked in the mirror and told themselves while looking in the mirror how beautiful they are, how handsome they are, or how successful they are. Praising yourself and saying nothing but good things while looking at yourself will help because it will make you feel good about yourself.
Anonymous
February 24th, 2018 6:53am
It may take some time to get to that point where you fully appreciate your body but looking in your mirror and saying positive affirmations about yourself every day, even if you don't believe it is a good way to get working on that!
Anonymous
June 29th, 2020 9:51pm
When you look at your body, choose to look at the whole. Do a scan from top to bottom, counting the things that you think make you beautiful. Maybe you have cute freckles, a dimple that makes you smile, or nice teeth! Whatever it may be, stare at it longer as you scan down your body. When you approach something you don't like, don't dwell on it. Remind yourself that you have been conditioned unfairly to dislike it. Pretend you are looking at your best friend, and tell yourself what you would tell her. Use your hands to feel your body, and enjoy the sensations and realize that you are beautiful!
Anonymous
August 4th, 2020 1:08pm
It's difficult when we all have things we may not appreciate about ourselves. I struggle with body image issues as well. I have a daily reminder I wrote down of reasons why I appreciate my body. They don't have to be specific to parts or anything. For example, I appreciate my eyes for all of the things I can see. I try to focus on what my senses can appreciate and how I utilize them. It's a daily task, but a habit with even a couple of things to appreciate, because the human body is amazing and capable of so much. It takes time to really appreciate oneself.