Love Yourself and Improve Your Body Image!

In a society infatuated with weight, fat and looks it can be extremely hard not to be obsessed with the number on the scale or the size of our clothes. But what a fine line we walk between obsession and eating disorder, health and injurious behaviors. How can we dedicate ourselves to our health and being fit (losing weight, body fat or what have you) but still love the people we are right now?

Women especially are bombarded by conflicting messages about our bodies. We are expected to go to any lengths to shape and mold ourselves to fit the ideal, which seems to change weekly. We know we must be more than our weight, more than a pair of legs and a smile. Still, we feel defined by our bodies, yet somehow, disconnected from them. This isn't surprising. Our bodies are divided into pieces and judged, and that judgment is extended to our entire person.

So how do we learn to appreciate and nurture our bodies? Here are some tips on how to love your body:

1) Laugh, Laugh, Laugh. Laughing out loud does a body good! Show your smile off to the world and it's sure to be contagious.

2) Have sex (safely!). Keeping our bodies healthy also means keeping them free from diseases. So love your body as the special someone in your lift does.

3) Make time for family and friends. Time with a pet, partner, spouse, sibling or friend is worthwhile and essential because as you nurture relationships with other people you in turn nurture and love your body.

4) Indulge once in a while. Loving your taste buds once in a while is also a part of loving your body so indulge in something tasty - whether it's expensive, organic fruit or a scoop of Ben and Jerry's ice cream.

5) Listen to positive music. A good song can brighten your whole outlook and do wonders for your body self esteem.

6) Find a way to be creative. Every person needs a way to express their daily frustrations and stress constructively. Learn to write, paint, knit, or draw. Loving your mind is also a part of loving your body.

7) Stretch your mind and body. Rejuvenating the mind and body through relaxation practices and yoga can teach us how to care for ourselves.