Why love your body?
Take a minute to think of all the things your body can do. Need some ideas? Here are a few: Your body allows you to...
- Breathe.
- Talk (to friends, family, yourself, to someone who needs help...)
- Laugh.
- Walk.
- Exercise.
- Hug.
- Sing.
- Listen (to music, the sound of the ocean, the wind, a great speech...)
- Feel.
- Think.
- Live!
These are only a few things the body can do. Think of the importance of all of them! The body is amazing and this is why everyone should love and appreciate their body.
How to Treat Your Body Well:
1. Keep moving! Try to be as active as possible and limit sedentary activities. This means substitute driving for biking or walking and substitute watching television with taking a walk with a friend or playing a sport.
2. Get enough sleep. You need sleep for your body to function normally. Strive for eight hours every night.
3. Eat well! Satisfy your hunger. Don't diet. Choose foods that are nutritious and delicious. Need help deciding what to eat? Check out the Nutrition Services website from the Hartshorn Health Center: http://nutrition.colostate.edu/
4. Only focus on the positive qualities of your body. When you look in the mirror don't think, "I hate my thighs," but rather, "I love my eyes and my smile."
5. Wear clothes that make you feel good about your body.
6. Take time for yourself each day. Relax in a bubble bath, practice yoga, or enjoy a beautiful day outside at your favorite place.
7. Helping others can also make you feel good about yourself. Do something nice for a friend or volunteer in your community. You will ultimately feel better about yourself!
Other Important Things to Remember:
1. Every body has a genetic predisposition. This means that no matter how hard you may try to change your body, there is a natural way your body is supposed to look. If you are staying active and eating well your body will be healthy and you will reach your natural weight.
2. Don't be fooled by the media! Advertisers spend tons of money to make people feel like their body should look a certain way so that people will buy their products. You are smarter than that. Don't let their tricks fool you!
3. Know that physical appearance is only part of who you are. Be appreciative of your intelligence, creativity, values, goals, and every other part of who you are!
Celebrate your natural body. Be unique. Stand tall and be proud of who you are!