5 Things You Can Do When You Have an “I Hate My Body” Moment

It happens to the best of us, but that doesn’t mean we’re trapped in it

To wish you looked different or to wish you have a different body is a natural feeling, yet that doesn’t mean we need to find ourselves stuck in that feeling — like taking care of a cut, we should take our psychological injuries and heal them with kindness and care.

Here are five things you can do when you feel the unease creeping in:

Go on a walk (or some sort of exercise you enjoy)

Physiologically, exercise releases endorphins, neurotransmitters responsible for our feel-good emotions. It can increase self-confidence, improve our mood, help us relax, and lower symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.

Psychologically, we also just feel proud about our bodies after we exercise, in a way that is unrelated to how it looks. We feel gratitude towards how it can take us long distances, communicate with others, and connect with the world.

Block any and all dieting/weight-related/food ads, emails, and social media accounts

Does the ad or image make you feel fearful or anxious of food? Does the content make you feel bad about your body?

If you answer yes to either question, let yourself block, report, or mute that content. Your attention is precious and limited, and it is best served elsewhere.

Donate clothing that doesn’t fit you

Clothing should fit you. You should not have to feel like your body needs to fit clothing.

Sizes are ambiguous anyways, and really don’t mean anything. What is a size small or medium or large? What does a size 36 or 42 even mean if they are not measurements? What if I like something with a looser fit or tighter fit?

Bodies come in so many different shapes and sizes, and the numbers we have been assigned are so inconsistent, they mean very little. Find things that fit you, in ways you like. That is all that matters.

Treat yourself like a loved one

If your best friend, partner, or child was speaking to themselves like you might speak to yourself in a moment of discomfort or self-consciousness, how would that make you feel? What would you tell them?

Say those things back to yourself.

Every time you look in the mirror, don’t look away until you can find 3 things you love about yourself

Do you like your hair? Your eyes? Your dimples? Your smile?

Or maybe it’s not appearance-related. Are you proud of something you accomplished at work? A new hobby you’re getting better at? Making someone laugh?

Find things you like about yourself, and make it a habit. Make it something so natural, it feels like brushing your teeth in the morning or combing your hair.

For self-love should feel as natural as so.

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