Struggling with negative body image? Here are 5 grace-powered steps to improve negative body image — and show up with confidence in your life and business!

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These 5 steps to improve body image are meant to help you instantly achieve body image freedom!

Struggling with negative body image? How you see yourself doesn’t just impact your personal life — it affects how confidently you show up in your business. I’ve been there too, wrestling with negative self-talk and feeling like I wasn’t enough.

But here’s the truth…

Those thoughts don’t define you, and they certainly don’t have to hold you back!

But here’s what I’ve learned…

When you practice grace and self-compassion and take just one small step forward — body image freedom is within reach — waiting with arms wide open.

This post is packed with life-transforming and mind-renewing tips and 5 steps to improve your body image with Christ-like grace! PLUS 2 BONUS FREE DOWNLOADS to support you on your journey😊

What is Body Image?

WHAT'S INSIDE show

Here are the facts…

(in ‘accurate language’ — just for informational purposes)

1. Body Image

Body image is how you see and feel about your body. It includes your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to your body. Like how you react in situations where your body might be seen.

Think — body positivity, body confidence, body satisfaction, healthy body image, body neutrality, or body dissatisfaction. And it can change from day to day.

2. Body Dissatisfaction

(More commonly known as Negative Body Image)

Body dissatisfaction means not liking your body. It’s when you have negative thoughts or feelings about your body compared to how you wish it looked. This can relate to your body shape, body weight, height, or individual body parts.

Feeling dissatisfied with your body can lead to unhealthy behaviors, but it’s not the same as having an eating disorder.

3. Body Image Disturbance

Body image disturbance is seeing your body in a distorted way. It’s different from just being dissatisfied— you might not see your body accurately at all. This can happen with eating disorders and make recovery harder. Even if you don’t realize your body looks different, you can still have an eating disorder.

4. Overvaluation of Shape and Weight

This is when you tie your self-worth to your body shape and body weight. It means thinking your value as a person depends on how you look. Unlike body dissatisfaction, this feeling stays with you in different situations. It doesn’t always lead to an eating disorder, but it can lead to unhealthy eating or compulsive exercise habits.

5. Body Dysmorphia

(Also known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder – BDD)

Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition in which you obsess over a perceived flaw in your appearance that others don’t see. It’s not just about weight or shape — it could be thinking your nose is deformed, for example. People with body dysmorphic disorder might do extreme things like cosmetic surgery to feel better, even if others don’t notice the flaw.

It goes beyond normal dissatisfaction or concern about appearance.

Mayo Clinic explains BDD like this…

“Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which you can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can’t be seen by others. But you may feel so embarrassed, ashamed, and anxious that you may avoid many social situations.”

The National Eating Disorder Association advises people with BDD to seek professional help.

What the Bible Says about Your Body Image…

You’re a masterpiece — crafted by God Himself. As a Christian woman, your ultimate purpose is to worship Him, right?

Absolutely.

So, if you’re made in God’s image, designed to worship Him alone, then shouldn’t body image simply mean that you’re an image bearer?

If only it were that straightforward 😊

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…
Romans 12:2

As you read above — body image isn’t just about how you perceive your body or even individual body parts…

It’s also about the feelings it stirs within you. Sometimes those feelings are positive, sometimes they’re negative, and other times they’re a blend of both.

What defines – determines – shapes your body image?

Think of it like a complex puzzle, made up of pieces such as…

your family members
your cultural background
the diet industry a.k.a. diet culture
society’s view of a ‘perfect body’
social media feeds or a social media influencer you admire
the influence of TV shows you watch
and even your unique abilities or challenges

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If you want to learn more about the 4 aspects of body image go here!

Why Is It Important To Have a Healthy Body Image?

A negative body image can have a wide-ranging impact on your mental health and life.

Your body image concerns usually lead to these 2 most common effects…

A negative impact on your self-esteem

Your body image isn’t just about how you feel personally — it also plays a huge role in your confidence as a solopreneur.

You see…

When you don’t feel good about your body, it’s easy to feel inadequate, which can hold you back from showing up boldly in your work.

But here’s the truth…

You’re not defined by your body — you’re defined by your God-given purpose.

A negative body image can cause social anxiety

When you can’t accept your appearance — or you’re not ‘comfortable in your own skin…’ You tend to think that others might not like how you look either.

This can lead to feeling self-conscious and not good enough, which can affect your social interaction.

A negative body image can also interfere with your quality of life…

It could possibly…

interfere with your ability to enjoy sex.
lead to depression.
result in disordered eating.
make your life less enjoyable.

And that is why it’s SO important to have a healthy body image — not so you can be prideful — rather so you can…

stand in your invaluable worth as a daughter of God.
feel good in your own skin, and have the confidence, emotional strength, and ability to ‘GO’ as Jesus commands us.
enjoy a high-quality life.

Now that you’re all studied up on what body image is and know its complexities — I’m going to give you the top 5 tips to improve body image with grace…

5 Steps To Improve Body Image With Grace

Download your FREE guide: “5 Steps to Improve Negative Body Image with Grace” PDF, and start building confidence today!

Here are 5 effective ways to improve your body image or any insecurity, self-doubt, or lack of confidence you may be struggling with.

I encourage you to take the first step…

💖 Step 1. Embrace God’s Design

Remember that your body (your whole person — not just your physical appearance) is a gift — a masterpiece crafted by God Himself!

DO THIS: Take a moment each day to practice body gratitude. Thank God for the unique way He designed you.

Think about how your body functions.

Think of all the amazing things it allows you to do, like breathe, move, hug loved ones, sing, serve others, and live out your calling.

This will help you think of your body as more than just its appearance.

Add another step after you’ve become somewhat comfortable with step one.

💖 Step 2 — Scripture Reflection

As part of your daily routine — study Bible verses that emphasize inner beauty and God’s love for you.

Understand that — above all else — God values the posture of your heart and your character.

DO THIS: Choose a verse that resonates with you and write it down.

Read it daily and pray with it — let its message remind you of your worth in God’s eyes.

This will help you overpower negative thoughts by transforming and renewing your mind with God’s truth.

Romans 12:2 tells you that God can change your way of thinking.
Hebrews 4:16 says you can find grace and mercy to help me in time of need.
Ephesians 2:18 reminds you that you have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.

Use any of these 8 Bible verses to get you started…

8 Bible Verses to Improve Your Body Image & Insecurities

Download this “8 Bible Verses to Improve Your Body Image” PDF

Bible Verses for Negative Body Image — PIN FOR LATER! ☝️

💖 Step 3 — Graceful Self-Talk

Replace negative thoughts about your body with kind and compassionate self-talk.

Practice speaking to yourself with the same grace and kindness that God extends to you. Speak to yourself as you talk to your close friend.

DO THIS: When you catch yourself thinking negatively about your body, stop and replace those thoughts with positive affirmations like, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14).

This will help start renewing your mind.

💖 Step 4 — Supportive Community

Surround yourself with positive people who encourage and uplift you…

Hang out with your bestie — she’ll always recognize and point you to your TRUE worth.
Keep the company of spiritually mature biz friends or church friends who help you see the beauty in yourself as God’s beautiful and cherished daughter.

DO THIS: Spend time with spiritually mature friends who appreciate your inner qualities. Avoid those whose conversations are constantly focused on physical appearance and body comparison.

This will help you improve your body image and self-esteem.

(You may even want to consider looking into gospel-centered support groups.)

💖 Step 5 — Holistic Self-Care

Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your physical health and your emotional and spiritual well-being.

Understand that taking care of yourself is a way of honoring the gift of your body from God.

DO THIS: Get involved in a physical activity that makes you feel good physically and mentally.

Like taking a peaceful walk in nature, enjoying a relaxing bubble bath, or spending time in prayer and Christian meditation.

This will help you take the focus off of your physical appearance.

These 5 steps to improve body image will help get you started on your journey to a healthier relationship with your body and, ultimately, to body image freedom!

💖 Recommended resources for overcoming negative body image, insecurity, self-doubt, or lack of confidence you may be struggling with.💖

23 Perfect Self-Care Gifts for Christian Women

FREE Resources to Help You in Your Body Image Journey

Body Image Guides & Journals

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5 steps to improve negative body image with grace — PIN FOR LATER! ☝️

Next Steps…

2 Things You Could Do To Improve Your Body Image TODAY

As an added BONUS — here are 2 things you could do to improve your body image RIGHT NOW…

Make a list of 10 things you like about yourself

Things that aren’t related to your body. Read it daily. Add to it as you discover your other awesome attributes!

Declutter your social media accounts

Unfollow EVERYONE that makes you feel bad about your body or any other perceived flaw or insecurity you may be working through.

And there you have it, my beautiful friend…

With Christ — you’ve got this!

🤗 Sharing is caring! If this post was helpful — would you consider sharing it with a solopreneur friend who might also be struggling with mindset or messaging? Simply text her the link. Sharing the hope is what it’s all about!

And I’d love to hear from you — let me know in the comments if this helps you or what you’d like to see next! 😊

5 Steps to Improve Negative Body Image as a Solopreneur