Understanding Positive Body Image
According to clinical psychologist Elizabeth Halsted, a specialist in body image and eating disorders, there are three key components to developing a positive body image:
1. Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is about truly believing that others appreciate you for who you are and genuinely enjoy spending time with you.
2. Positive Attitude
A positive attitude involves accepting your strengths and weaknesses while avoiding perfectionism, comparisons, and harsh self-criticism. The more critical and judgmental you are of others, the more likely you are to be critical of yourself.
3. Emotional Stability
Dr. Halsted defines emotional stability as the connection between thoughts and feelings and the ability to share them. This heightened mindfulness creates awareness of what’s going through your mind and how it affects your emotions.
Building Self-Esteem: The FAST Model
Di Katz-Shachar, Master Fitness Trainer and Wellness Expert at Bodyholic, recommends the FAST model—a simple yet powerful framework for boosting self-esteem:
- F – Be FAIR to yourself and others. Your needs are just as important as anyone else’s.
- A – No APOLOGIES. Avoid excessive apologizing, especially for having your own opinions, even if they differ from others’.
- S – STICK to your values. Don’t compromise them just to please others. Take time to uncover your core beliefs.
- T – Be TRUTHFUL. Be honest with yourself and others. Avoid little white lies—those who can handle the truth will grow closer to you.
Cultivating a Positive Attitude
Katz-Shachar emphasizes that a positive attitude benefits both physical and mental health, improving immune function, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being. Here are some practical steps to maintain a positive mindset:
- Monitor your inner dialogue. Challenge negative thoughts by asking yourself if they are truly accurate. If not, let them go. If yes, reframe them positively: Instead of saying, “I am terrible at this,” say, “I did my best, and I have many other strengths.”
- Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with people who uplift and support you.
- Support others. Helping others strengthens social connections and increases self-worth.
Achieving Emotional Stability
Emotional stability allows you to maintain balance even in stressful situations. Bodyholic suggests the following strategies:
- Watch your self-talk. Speak to yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
- Exercise your mind. Engage in activities that stimulate your brain, such as meditation, visualization, music, or sports.
- Respond positively. While you can’t control everything, you can control how you react. Your responses shape your life and well-being.
Conclusion
We are all works in progress, striving for self-improvement. The journey to better self-care, increased self-esteem, and a positive body image starts with a single step and grows stronger over time. You’ve got this!
About Di Katz-Shachar & Bodyholic
Di Katz-Shachar is a Master Fitness Trainer, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker, and Author with nearly two decades of experience transforming lives through holistic wellness. As the founder of Bodyholic, she empowers individuals to achieve their fitness goals through personalized training programs and expert guidance.
Her book, Rip It Up. For Good: Your Guide to the Best Shape of Your Life…Minus the Stress, is available on Amazon. For more information, visit Bodyholic.
