Positive body image: 6 tips to encourage a healthier mindset

These days, thanks to social media, we’re exposed to the bodies and appearances of others more than ever. Combine that with the fact that there are so many self-styled ‘experts’ talking online about what constitutes a healthy body, a healthy lifestyle and a healthy body image, it can be a real challenge to separate fact from fiction and make decisions about what’s good for our own body and mental health. How do we know if we’re following the right advice or doing the right things for our bodies and health, when there is so much conflicting advice in the areas of health and wellness? Here’s what you can do to really create a positive body image and healthy mindset.

1
```
Seek out true experts
```
A person who claims to be an expert on social media with few credentials to back this up should be approached with caution. A lot of followers doesn’t make someone an authority – trust those who have dedicated time to learning about the body, health and wellness for advice.
2
```
Listen to your own body
```
No one knows your body better than you do and once you start really trusting this and listening to it, your body will tell you how it’s doing. It’s as simple as this: when you are treating your body well, you tend to feel good, and when you are not, you don’t feel your best. Rather than following fads, aim for a general and constant feeling of wellbeing, and you’re on the right track.
3
```
Take the focus off size and shape
```
Despite the work of the body positivity and body neutrality movements, many people associate low body fat with good health and higher body fat with poor health. Everyone is programmed differently; some people are naturally smaller and others larger, regardless of health status. If you eat well, exercise and treat yourself kindly, you’ll end up in the exact shape you’re supposed to be in.
4
```
Dress for yourself
```
Everyone’s body shape is different and clothes look completely different on different people. Wearing what you love and what makes you look and feel fantastic is a great way to promote a healthy body image. Trends are fun, and if you like them, go for it. But there’s no reason to try out trends you don’t genuinely love and no reason to dress in any way that doesn’t make you feel good.
5
```
Avoid online comparisons
```
This is incredibly hard to do, yes, but it’s worth remembering that the majority of photos and videos we see on the internet are altered in some way – from using flattering lighting to full on Photoshopping. Even your favorite celebrity probably doesn’t look how they do on social media, so enjoy the images for what they’re worth – just don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to them.
6
```
Get your beauty rest
```
Sleep is free and one of the most health-promoting, stress-lowering tricks around. Your mental and physical health both benefit immensely from getting the recommended 7-8 hours of supporting you to make more nutritious food choices. When it comes to promoting positive body image, sleep is your friend.