| GET BODY CONFIDENT Throw out that lousy body image right now! Use these strategies to build respect for your own unique shape and size. 1. Say thank you from head to toe. After a hard day , don�t forget to say �thanks you� to each tiny part of your body. Thank your toes, your feet, your ankles� you get the idea! It will help you appreciate your body as a blessing. 2. Don�t use eating to cope. Easy to say, so hard to do. But with practice, you bet you can do it! Instead of grabbing a bag of chips or a candy bar when you�re stressed out, try painting your toenails or taking a warm shower. Do something else that will really ease your stress, not make you lousy afterwards like impulsive eating does. 3. Face the mirror and pick out something you like about you body. Pick something for each day of the week. On Mondays, focus on how nicely rounded your shoulders are and say �My shoulders are beautiful.� On Tuesdays, focus on your hips- �My hips are big and beautiful!� You might cringe at first, but stick with it and watch the power of words improve your self-image over time. 4. Get moving! The body benefits include losing pounds and inches, having glowing skin, and helping your body systems run more efficiently. But more than that, a regular workout will teach you many lessons that are sure to come in handy when you face other challenges in life- lessons such as patience and perseverance. Exercise will also teach you to appreciate yourself, whether you walk, run, or powerbox, you will come out strong inside and out. 5. Get your family moving! Suggest a family sports day once a month. You don�t really need to go to the mall every weekend, do you? Go bowling or swimming or enjoy a family marathon. -by Becky Kho, edited by Pia |