Being able to accept yourself as you are is an important part of sober living. Self-love might be challenging for you, but there are several ways that you can overcome this and learn to have a positive body image. The following ideas can help you adopt a healthy focus on yourself physically and mentally.
Don’t Let Others Form Your Self-Image
You can’t control the things other people say about you, but you do have control over whether or not you let them get to you. It’s important to realize that your own judgment about others’ comments might be harsher than the actual intent of those comments.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
It’s easy to fall into the habit of comparing how you look to the way other people look, but this is a harmful thing to do. Instead, you should work on accepting your body and your entire self just as you are.
Respect Your Body
One of the best things to do to form a more positive relationship with your body image is to care for your body. Show your body the respect it deserves by eating healthy foods, avoiding unhealthy ones, getting enough sleep and exercising on a regular basis.
Focus on the Fun of Exercising
Exercising gets you in shape and helps you lose weight and gain muscle, but it has other benefits as well. Find a physical activity that you enjoy doing, and make that your primary form of exercise. Focus on the good feelings that exercise gives you, rather than worrying about whether you’re losing or gaining weight.
Express Appreciation for your Body
Before going to sleep at night, thank your body for getting you through the day and keeping you feeling strong and healthy. If you exercised or did other physical activities, express gratitude for being physically healthy enough to do these.
Treat Your Body Like a Loved One
Think about how you would treat someone you love, and give your body that same acceptance, caring, kindness and respect. You wouldn’t be harsh or judgmental to a loved one, so avoid treating yourself that way. http://www.my12stepstore.com/Learning-to-Love-Yourself-Revised-Updated.html
When you learn to love and accept yourself, this has a significant positive impact on your body image and emotional well-being. Loving yourself makes you more likely to care for yourself and continue to practice sober living. For more inspiration, please visit My 12 Step Store.
http://www.my12stepstore.com/Embracing-Fear.html
http://www.my12stepstore.com/Addictive-Thinking-Narcotics-Anonymous.html