Addiction comes in all shapes and sizes. People young and old can become addicted to various things, including food. Individuals who experience food addiction can improve body image by doing some simple tasks which help bring clarity and a more balanced perspective. Note the following ten ways to get started.
- Recognize an individual’s body is one’s own and belongs to nobody else. Regardless of shape, size or color, an individual body is a beautiful thing.
- Worries over weight or size should be shared with a trusted physician to make sure everything checks out alright. As people age, body composition can change but it is important to speak with a physician prior to making any drastic changes.
- When a person hears negative comments coming from inside oneself, there is only one thing to do. Offer the gift of silence and permission to say no to intrusive, negative thoughts which are unproductive and even harmful.
- Give three compliments every day.
- Each evening list three things during the day that really invoked pleasure and joy. Focusing on the good things in life and positive aspects in life can change a person’s outlook and how one feels about oneself
- Understand it is nobody else’s business what is happening with another person’s body. If a person is happy, that is all that matters.
- Identify which aspects of personal appearance may need to change and others which cannot change. Every person has things that are not liked about an individual’s body but some things can change and others cannot (height or shoe size, for example).
- If there are things about a person’s body that can be changed, set a goal and go after it. Create a realistic exercise plan and eat healthy, nutritious meals to achieve the goal.
- Track progress toward the goal and set a challenge. This can help boost self-esteem.
- Celebrate victories by offering rewards for reaching goals. Buy something special to commemorate the important moment and achievements in life.
If you or a loved one struggle with addiction to food or body identity issues, do not suffer in silence. Help is available to provide ways of getting healthy with the right support. Call us to find out how we can support your journey to wellness.