How to start loving your body
- revathi geeda
- Oct 14, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: May 11
Loving your body isn’t just about looking in the mirror and saying, “I’m beautiful.” It’s about changing how you think about your body. It’s about daily habits, rewiring self-talk, and unlearning the toxic body standards that society has pushed on us for way too long.
We’ve all had those days—feeling insecure, tugging at our clothes, or wishing our reflection looked different. But let’s be real: your body is not your enemy. The real battle? It's with the mindset you've been taught. Ready to shift that inner voice? Here’s how to start embracing the skin you’re in.
1. Start With a Gentle Self-Acknowledgment 🧘♀️
Before diving into affirmations and mirror pep talks, try this: pause and simply acknowledge your body. Right now, wherever you are.
Place your hand over your chest, feel your heartbeat, and say something kind—even if it feels awkward. This little moment of connection is powerful. It reminds you that your body is alive, working, and worthy.
2. Do Things That Make Your Body Feel Good ✨
We often focus on how our bodies look, but what if we flipped that? What if we asked, How does my body feel today?
Small, intentional habits can build a loving relationship with your body:
Stretch in the morning to release tension.
Apply lotion and give yourself a mini hand or foot massage.
Wear fuzzy socks or comfy PJs just because.
Cook a meal that makes you feel good from the inside out.
These moments teach your brain that your body isn’t just for appearance—it’s a source of comfort, strength, and joy.
3. Dress Like You Respect Your Body 👗
Let’s talk about clothes. Many people wear oversized, dark, or baggy clothes to “hide” their body when they don’t feel confident. But you deserve to feel seen.
Start dressing in ways that make you feel powerful, even if you're just at home. Try:
Wearing your favorite color.
Investing in outfits that fit your current body, not your “goal weight.”
Donating clothes that make you feel bad or restricted.
Wearing something that flatters your body—exactly as it is—sends your brain a message: I deserve to feel good now, not someday.
4. Call Out Fatphobia (Yes, Even in Your Own Head) 🚫
This one’s big. Fatphobia is so deeply ingrained in society that we may not even realize when we're reinforcing it.
Things to stop saying (even silently):
“She’d be prettier if she lost weight.”
“I look so fat today.”
“I need to burn off this pizza.”
Fat does not equal lazy, unattractive, or unhealthy. Health isn’t just about weight—it’s about movement, nourishment, sleep, and mental peace.
Start supporting plus-size creators, friends, and voices. Stop participating in “body shaming disguised as health concern” conversations. Respect is for all bodies.
5. Clean Up Your Social Media Feed 📱
Your body image is shaped by what you see every day—and social media plays a huge role.
If your feed is full of unrealistic beauty standards, start unfollowing. Instead, follow accounts that:
Show diverse bodies.
Normalize cellulite, scars, and stretch marks.
Talk about intuitive eating and joyful movement.
The more you see real, unfiltered bodies, the easier it becomes to accept your own. Curating your digital environment = self-love in action.
6. Learn What Your Body Needs (and Listen) 🍓
Have you ever ignored your body’s signals? Like pushing through a headache, skipping meals, or brushing off tiredness?
Tuning into your body is a major act of love. Start asking:
Am I thirsty?
Am I full or just stressed?
Do I need rest or movement?
Your body speaks in subtle ways—through energy levels, moods, and cravings. Pay attention. Trust it. Nourish it.
7. Practice Mirror Talk with Kindness 🪞
We’re used to dissecting our appearance in the mirror. Time to change that.
Each morning or night, try saying something kind to your reflection:
“Thank you for carrying me today.”
“I love how strong my legs are.”
“I’m proud of the person I’m becoming.”
It may feel cheesy at first. But your brain learns through repetition. Eventually, these affirmations become truth.
8. Move Because You Love Your Body—Not Because You Hate It 🏃♀️
Exercise should never be punishment. It should feel like a celebration.
Find movement that makes you feel powerful—not just “burn calories.” Try:
Dancing in your room.
Taking walks while listening to your favorite podcast.
Doing yoga or stretching to unwind.
Forget the scale. Focus on strength, energy, and joy.
9. Stop Judging Other People’s Bodies 💬
Here’s the truth: if you constantly judge others, you’ll always fear being judged yourself. What you project onto others is often what you fear about yourself.
Next time you catch yourself thinking, “They shouldn’t wear that,” pause. Ask yourself why you think that—and gently let that thought go.
The more compassion you offer others, the more you'll have for yourself.
10. Celebrate What Your Body Does, Not How It Looks 💪
Your body wakes you up, allows you to breathe, hug, run, rest, cry, create—and so much more. Let’s give it some credit.
Celebrate:
The strength in your arms.
The resilience in your lungs.
The heartbeat that keeps going even on hard days.
This mindset shifts body love from shallow to deep—from surface-level to soul-deep.
11. Stop Comparing—Your Journey Is Yours 🛑
Comparison is a body love killer. Someone else’s glow-up, transformation, or “perfect abs” don’t take away from your worth.
Whenever you find yourself scrolling and spiraling, try this instead:
Mute or unfollow the account.
Remind yourself: “Their story is not mine. I’m doing just fine.”
Stay in your lane. Grow at your pace. You are not behind.
12. Accept That It’s a Journey, Not a Destination 🛤️
Some days, you’ll love your body. Some days, not so much. That’s normal. Don’t chase perfection—chase progress.
Your body love journey will look like this:
Two steps forward.
One back.
Some detours.
But always worth it.
Commit to the practice. Choose kindness every day. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
Final Thoughts on How to start loving your body🌈
Your body is your home. It’s been with you through joy, pain, growth, and change. It deserves more than criticism—it deserves care.
Loving your body isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about choosing love over shame, kindness over comparison, and peace over perfection.
Start today. Start with softness. Start with love. Start loving your body.
References 🔗
Healthline—What Is Body Positivity? Explains body positivity, its origins, and how it affects self-worth and mental health.
Mayo Clinic—Positive Thinking: Stop Negative Self-Talk A trusted guide on shifting toward self-compassion through positive thinking.
Cleveland Clinic—Intuitive Eating: A Non-Diet Approach to Healthy Eating Covers how intuitive eating can promote self-respect and body acceptance.
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)—Body Image Resources to understand, heal, and build a better relationship with your body.
Psychology Today—Why Mirror Work Can Improve Self-Esteem Discusses the benefits of using mirror affirmations to boost body confidence.
Verywell MMind—ow to Practice Self-Compassion Detailed advice on being kinder to yourself and building a positive body image.
Mind UK—Body Image and Mental Health A UK-based mental health charity exploring how body image links to emotional well-being.
Johns Hopkins Medicine – Health at Every Size (HAES) explains how health can be pursued at any body size and the science behind it.
The Body Positive—Five Competencies of Body Positivity Outlines practical steps for fostering self-love and body acceptance.
Girls Gone Strong—How to Build Body Confidence Empowering tips from female health experts to rebuild trust with your body.
Very motivating