by Meghan Rizzo

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 12, 2009

Today's women are fully aware that the photographs of celebrities and models featured in magazines are heavily airbrushed and digitally manipulated. However, it is difficult to love your body when you are constantly exposed to images of unattainable perfection, regardless of your knowledge that such images are not entirely authentic. Still, it is important for us to learn to love our bodies in spite of what the media shows us, for the sake of our mental health, our physical health, and especially for the sake of the young girls who look up to us as examples. Following are some tips on how to feel better about your body no matter what its dimensions.

Change Your Perception

Most of us look in the mirror and immediately compare what we are seeing to what is considered the 'ideal.' Get away from the mirror! Instead of focusing on the external appearance of your body, consider the amazing machine that functions beneath the flesh and therefore beyond the scope of the mirror.

Go for a quick walk and make an effort to really feel and acknowledge your own strength: the flexing of your various muscles, the way your heart rate increases ever so slightly when you increase your pace and decreases when you slow it, the rhythm in your step.

Be grateful for the fact that your body is functional and strong. Understand that even if you live a sedentary lifestyle and have some extra pounds, there is an athlete beneath the exterior just waiting to shine. Make a promise to yourself that you will groom your inner athlete as if she were an Olympian contender. Then take the steps to ensure that she has a chance at getting the gold.

Get Moving

Exercise. It really doesn't take much. There is no need to spring for a gym membership or start running five miles a day. Such actions can actually be counter-productive in that you might develop unrealistic expectations of yourself and when they are not immediately met, you will be more likely to give up.

Just get moving. Walk to the corner store instead of driving. Take the stairs. Chase your dog around the yard. Upon waking, do some simple stretches and a handful of jumping jacks. You might not begin shedding pounds - at least not right away - but your mental health will be greatly improved. Even low-impact exercise stimulates endorphins (hormones that create a sense of well-being), and if you do end up losing some weight, then consider that a bonus.

Get Busy

No one is more critical of your body than you are. Many people are too wrapped up in their own insecurities to notice your flaws, so why should YOU bother worrying about them? Look outside of yourself and direct your energy toward positive endeavors. Take up a hobby or try volunteer work.

Do something that you enjoy so that you can distract yourself from your own negative self-talk. The busier and more fulfilled you are, the less likely you will be to have the urge to critically check your reflection in every mirror or store window you pass.

Be Well

Women who feel good look good. Get plenty of rest, feed your body with a variety of nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, and try the suggestions above. These simple lifestyle changes will put a spring in your step and a noticeable glow in your complexion. True happiness is a visible entity of which you and others will take notice - no airbrushing necessary.

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