How to Be Body Positive

Co-authored by Rachel Eddins, M.Ed., LPC-S

Last Updated: December 3, 2022 References

Body positivity is a movement in which someone accepts their body and encourages others to love their bodies. However, if you are not familiar with seeing your body in a positive light, it can be hard. Here, we will show you how to become body positive in this guide for anyone who wants to love their body.

1

Focus on health, not weight.

Don't frame your fitness goals in terms of a number you'd want to see on the scale whether you're cooking or going to the gym. Focus on your health rather than the number on the scale. Remember that you are so much more than your weight, and focus on eating in moderation and getting a good amount of exercise daily by doing things you like, such as biking, walking, dancing, or yoga.
- If you want to eat one of those chocolate donuts you love, go for it! You don't need to go to the gym every morning for an hour--unless you want to. Don't restrict yourself, focus on keeping things in moderation, and remember that being healthy is the goal.

2

Embrace your flaws instead of trying to "fix" them.

Every time we glance in the mirror, we see our physical flaws. Whether it be scars, birthmarks, stretch marks, or freckles--work towards accepting your flaws rather than trying to hide or "fix" them. Accept and embrace your flaws.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Who decides what is ideal and what is not? Body image dissatisfaction is rampant in our society, but it’s based on advertising and sales, not on reality or the person underneath. You get to choose to love your body, not someone else.

3

Give yourself positive affirmations daily.

Give yourself verbal encouragement and reminders on a daily basis. This may include saying something positive to yourself in the mirror each morning or leaving encouraging sticky notes on your bedside table. These affirmations will give you confidence and give you a more accepting attitude towards your body.^{[2]
X
Research source}^{[3]
X
Research source}
- I am getting better and better every day.
- I am going to forgive myself for what i've done in the past and move forward.
- I am [insert positive word here].
- Today will be a productive/great day.
- I am grateful each day.
- Happiness is a choice, and I choose to be happy today.

4

Find things you love about your body.

Maybe it's your legs, curly hair, or radiant smile. If it's hard to appreciate everything about your body, start with one thing you love. Or, appreciate your good traits, such as your kind personality, positive attitude, or willingness to help others if you aren't quite ready to appreciate your body.
- Find an activity you enjoy doing where you use your body and participate in sports or activities with others that move your body. This can help you improve your body image and appreciate what your body does for you.

5

Take a look at your social media.

Social media can have a big influence on how you see your body. When you see celebrities who appear "perfect," it's likely they had work done to their body, or their photos have been heavily photoshopped. Unfollow accounts that make you feel crummy and start following accounts that spread positivity.

6

Avoid comparing yourself to others.

People come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Diversity is the spice of life. Consider how monotonous it would be if there was just one way to be beautiful. When you compare yourself to others, you may feel that you don't look your best. Instead, focus on how unique you are. There's nobody on the entire planet just like you!^{[4]
X
Research source}^{[5]
X
Research source}

7

Soak in positive messages.

Through all of the body negativity, there is actually a lot of positive media about body acceptance that isn't too difficult to find these days. Music, blogs, literature, and other forms of media can all promote body love and acceptance.

8

Buy clothes you feel great in.

Ditch those baggy hoodies that you might've used to hide and cover up your body. Donate that pair of skinny jeans that don't fit you anymore. Instead, go out and buy some clothing you love, whether it be a skirt, dress, crop top, pair of shorts, or a new bathing suit. Find clothes you feel confident and amazing in. ^{[6]
X
Research source}

Body Positivity Tip: Start buying from retailers that stock several different clothing sizes and styles. Some of these body-positive shops include TomboyX, Target, Aerie, and ModCloth.

9

Use social media to encourage others.

Social media is for more than viewing celebrity lives and bodies. Use your social media to share positivity and body positivity. Try posting a makeup-free selfie, post an inspiring quote on, a bathing suit photo, or use hashtags that encourage self-love and body positivity.

10

Give compliments freely.

Give great, genuine compliments towards others without expecting one back. Hand out one or more of these compliments to boost others' self esteem and confidence:
- "That dress looks amazing on you!" instead of "I like your dress."
- "That button-up really suits you. You have great style."
- "I adore the outfits you put together. You have good fashion taste."

11

Surround yourself with positive people.

Hang around positive people who make you feel good, and limit the time you spend with negative people. In a group of positive people, you can encourage and support each other.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you respond to someone who comments on your body?

Rachel Eddins, M.Ed., LPC-S
Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel Eddins is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Executive Director of Eddins Counseling Group. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in working with clients with eating disorders, anxiety and depression, relationship issues, and career obstacles. Rachel earned a BA in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin and an MEd in Counseling from The University of Houston. She received a Group Psychotherapist Certification from the American Group Psychotherapy Association and an Intuitive Eating Counselor Certification through Intuitive Eating Pros. She is also recognized as a Master Career Counselor through the National Career Development Association.

Rachel Eddins, M.Ed., LPC-S

Licensed Professional Counselor

Expert Answer

It is inappropriate for other’s to make comments about your body. Your body, your business. First consider whether you want to respond to this person or not. Or you can choose to ignore them completely. However, make sure you do not internalize their comment by turning it into your own inner critic. If you’d like to have a more personal conversation, try saying something like, “I’ve been devoting time to take care of both my body and my overall health. If you are interested in supporting me, we can talk more, otherwise, your comments are not helpful.”
Question

How can I help other people be body positive?

Nico

Top Answerer

Give people genuine compliments about their appearances. Rather than, "nice dress," you could say "you look amazing in that dress!"