by Karen Chaffee

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 11, 2009

There are pressures from many sources to measure up to a certain body type and size: the media, peers, co-workers, family and friends, and even self-expectations. When flooded daily with these ideals, it becomes easy to develop a poor body image, however good one may look.

The best way to counter-act these pressures and unrealistic ideals is to build your self-esteem to a strong, healthy level. There are some specific ways to build and maintain a healthy self-esteem and a healthy body image.

1. When you take good care of yourself, it sends your mind the signal that you are lovable and worth the time and effort. Part of taking care of yourself is to develop a healthy life-style. Give yourself the gift of healthy food and exercise each day. Dress in a way that allows you to feel comfortable and stylish at the same time. Develop your own style based on what appeals to you rather than on what is a passing fad.

2. Look at yourself as an entire "being." Mind, spirit, and body complete the whole picture that is you. Looking at the whole of yourself, rather than narrowing your focus to body image, keeps your perspective in balance.

3. Get in tune with your body. Enjoy the marvelous things that it can do. Stand before a mirror each day and just observe the marvel that is your body. Take in the whole view, not just what you might perceive as flaws. The better you know your body, the more comfortable you will be in your own skin.

4. Tend your mind as lovingly as you do your body. Feed it on nature, positive relationships, and learning new things. Discover and celebrate your talents and your strengths. This develops a more secure and positive sense of the real self.

5. Nuture your spiritual side each and every day. Give yourself quiet spaces in which to reflect on the good things in life. Give to others of your unique skills. Run through your mind the good things in yourself and your world, or write them down.

6. Take away the lessons from any mistakes you make, but do not indulge guilt. You are human. Human beings make mistakes, but everyone is much more than just their mistakes.

7. Make special note of your successes. Do not shy away from the warm feeling of pride that surges through you each time you do something wonderful.

8. Do as many of the things at which you excel as often as possible. This might be volunteer service, special work projects, hobbies you enjoy, travel, or a walk around your neighborhood. The things you do every day either feed the negative, or they nurture the positive. Feed the positive!

Once self-esteem is built to and maintained at a healthy level, life becomes an enjoyable celebration. When problems or crises do arise, the strength to handle them will be within you. There will be no time to worry about whether or not one is living up to the impossible body types shown in the media and other areas of society. Having realistic expectations of yourself and seeing your body as the beautiful thing it is will take precedence.

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