We all have one body in this life and we need to look after it to enjoy a fulfilling life for as long as we are on this Earth. But, our modern busy lives, full of screens and many networks of people, can make us forget about spending enough time on ourselves. Here are a few tips to help you rethink how you love your body.
Embrace Your Body
Just like dogs, we all come in different shapes and sizes. No one is ‘perfect.’ There is no such thing as the thin ideal, this is something the media and old mis-led science has sold us. In fact, the BMI was created for population studies and was never supposed to be used for individuals. Men and women have different body builds and our bodies change at every age and stage of life, so using one BMI number for both genders does not make sense and is not applicable for many people.
We also now know that all the focus on weight, makes people less happy, it increases poor eating habits, reduces physical activity levels, reduces body satisfaction, and increases the risk of eating disorders. We need to take the subject of weight off the table.
With Tarryn Brumfit's Embrace Body Image Movement and now Dietitian's Australia's new President Fiona Willer's weight neutral, health not diets/ Health At Every Size researcher and advocate. It is now the time for Australia, a country who is so good at 'dietting' and weighing themselves, to embrace our bodies.
Most people have something they do not like about themselves or their body, but for every one thing you do not like, make peace with it and instead focus on at least three other things that you do like or even love. An example is, if you do not like your weight, stop weighing yourself. Instead, focus nourishing your body with nutritious food, getting enough sleep and moving your body in a way you enjoy.
Savour your Sleep
A good sleeping habit sets the foundations for good eating habits and physical fitness.
Sleep is so important to how we feel and how our mind and body functions. Sleep recharges your energy levels, heals, helps to build muscle, influences hormones, hunger, how active we can be and our food choices.
Love your sleep and prioritise it. Have a good sleep routine. Plan to go to bed at the same time every night. For the half hour prior to bed wind your mind and body down. Do some relaxing activities, dim the lights, and avoid screens.
For me personally, I tell myself ‘I could sit on the couch and watch TV, or I could go to bed, get up early for yoga or a run because it will make me feel better than the alternative.
Love moving your body
Our bodies are designed to move. They have evolved to run long distances to hunt down prey. Compare this to our modern life. How different were our bodies back then, stronger, fitter, with a longer endurance. It is no wonder our bodies feel sick, lacking energy when we are so sedentary.
For many people, I say think of exercise or body movement as medicine. In fact, for many mental health conditions, exercise prescription is far more effective than any medicine.
Exercise makes us more able to cope with any stress that comes into our life, improves our mood, gives us energy, encourages a good appetite, and helps us sleep well. The mind-body connection builds confidence, self-satisfaction, a positive body image and inevitably makes you love yourself.
The best thing about exercise is that it is fun. We all deserve and need to prioritise having fun in our lives.
So go for your daily walk, run, swim or bike ride, kick or bat a ball around or perhaps try something new like a dance or circus class. Whatever you choose, make sure you find enjoyment in it, as this is the secret to being fit and loving moving your body.
Nourish Your Body With Food
Eating the foods your body needs, means your body gets the right amount of nutrients to function optimally. Good digestion, a strong immune system, feeling energised and strong as well as keeping all those medical markers of disease at bay. However, nourishing your body with food can be so much more.
Slowing down and eating mindful eating and purposefully thinking to yourself eating is a way you love your body is a guaranteed way you nourish your mind and body whilst eating. Savour all the smells, tastes and textures as you eat. Be aware of how the food makes you feel, emotionally and from a hunger and satiety aspect.
Putting the effort in to grow your own food and being able to eat it is so rewarding. Cooking, when you give yourself the time, can be a fabulous creative outlet for the soul. Combining the two, growing food, cooking and sharing meals together builds that nutritious connection with your body, food and the people close to you in your life and is the ultimate form of nourishment.
So, embrace and love your body in all the ways you can and encourage everyone else to do the same to feel happy, healthy and vibrant!
