The #1 body image boosting exercise recommended by experts
Working on your body image
When you’re working towards a better body image, it can be tricky to know where to start.
With an ever growing volume of information on body image, finding the best approach can feel overwhelming.
In reality, it doesn’t matter what approach you start with. What matters is that you make a start, taking baby steps towards better body image.
To give you a head start, I’ve got a great exercise for you to try.
The #1 body image exercise
Having worked through body image issues both myself and with clients, this body image exercise is the one that has stood out the most for me.
It’s an exercise that I’ve mentioned before – mirror work.
It’s not immediately appealing to many women, as it involves taking time each day to look at your body in a full length mirror.
While the thought of doing this can produce a great deal of anxiety and resistance at first, the results it produces are definitely worthwhile.
Mirror work retrains your brain to think about your body in a healthier way, rather than constantly focusing on what you perceive to be flaws.
Over time, this work will help you to create more balanced thinking.
Body image experts consistently advocate mirror work for improving body image including Thomas F Cash (writer of the Body Image Workbook), Dr Eric Stice from Oregan Research Institute and Professor Phillippa Diedrichs at the Centre for Appearance Research in Bristol.
If you’re interested in hearing two body image experts talking about the mirror exercise, this brilliant video by fashion and body image blogger Grace Victory includes interviews with both Professor Diedrichs and Dr Stice.
I’ve used mirror work to create a better relationship with myself and my body.
I’ll admit that it does feel awkward when you first try it. BUT, once you’re used to it, it becomes a habit, and one that you’ll want to keep up.
Why not give it a try? It’s not advocated by the experts for nothing….
How to practice the mirror Exercise
- Look at yourself in a full length mirror. If you can, do this naked. If this is too uncomfortable to begin with, do this with minimal clothing. Over time, remove more and more clothing until it feels comfortable to do the exercise without clothes;
- Tell yourself at least 5 (stretch to 10 if possible) things that you like about yourself, including things about your body. These can be about your personality, interests, achievements, skills. When thinking about your body, focus less on what your body physically looks like, and more on what it can do e.g. I like my legs because they are strong and sturdy, allowing me to dance and run;
- Write these things down each time, so that you are creating a cumulative list. Look at this list whenever you feel you need a boost. It’s also okay to repeat some of the things on your list (this just reinforces what you like about yourself);
- Repeat this exercise daily – make it part of your routine. If you’ve been criticising your body for years, it can take time to unprogramme this behaviour, so consistent repetition is key.
I’d love to know how you found this exercise. Please leave me a comment below to let me know 🙂
