11 Tips on Overcoming Body Image Issues with Grace
This post is all about overcoming body image issues. These are the 11 best tips on how to deal with body image issues that every Christian woman should know about.
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Overcoming body image issues is challenging BUT possible…
It’s challenging because you don’t want to think about your body dissatisfaction — but you kinda have to so you can address the issue…
And when you open the “negative thoughts door,” they want to take over and attack your identity. (In case you need a little reminder — as a Christian woman, you are a beloved and cherished daughter of a gracious and powerful God.)
Then those debilitating negative thoughts and body image concerns spill over into and affect ALL aspects of your life.
Leaving you with a poor body image and feeling stuck in your own body.
Having said that — there’s hope!
With Christ, overcoming body image problems is possible 🙏. Trust me, if He got me (a woman with body dysmorphia from a very young age) through it — He is able to get you through it too!
In this post, you’re going to learn the 11 best ways to overcome body image issues.
Let’s jump in…
Overcoming Body Image Issues Meaning
What do I mean by overcoming body image issues?
Well, my beautiful friend… the first step in overcoming a negative body image is to become aware of the problem.
So I’m gonna ask you a few questions…
Do you…
- engage in negative self-talk — criticize your physical appearance?
- have negative feelings or negative thoughts about your body size, body weight, body shape, particular body parts, or physical appearance in general?
- feel self-conscious — worry about what others are thinking of you?
- constantly think about weight loss (or weight gain)?
- look in the mirror a lot (body checking)?
- have low self-esteem?
- have low self-worth?
If you answered yes to one or more of the examples of body image issues above — you’re probably struggling with negative body image.
Once you’ve recognized the signs of poor body image, it’s important you consider overcoming body image problems because this behavior can lead to…
- poor eating habits
- an eating disorder
- mental health issues
- body dysmorphic disorder
- or anxiety disorders…
Also, you’re likely to either engage in zero physical activity (neglecting your well-being) or in excessive exercise (obsessing in efforts to live up to the distorted cultural ideal of the perfect body).
But don’t worry my beautiful friend — you’re not alone.
The sad truth is that MOST women struggle with body image problems. That said, I’m here to tell you that you can overcome body image issues with God’s grace and strength!
Before jumping into the ways you can overcome your body image problems — we have to assess where they stem from…
What Causes Negative Body Image Issues?
Some of the underlying causes can be:
- Past experiences…
- Negative comments about your physical appearance.
- Current life experiences…
- In today’s society weight stigma is a subtle (and many times not-so-subtle) form of body shame.
- Family members…
- Praising those that are smaller in size and criticizing larger bodies.
- Medical professionals…
- Associating physical health with a small size.
- Social media…
- Social media images can take you straight into the comparison trap and have a negative impact on your self-perception.
- Diet culture’s fat talk…
- New year – new you. Lose weight so you can ______________.
I could go on and on…
The point is, that there are many influences that unconsciously drive you to the endless pursuit of living up to the unrealistic appearance ideals of the perfect body.
💖 Explore Related Posts 💖
- Body Checking | Why You Do It and How You Can Stop
- What is Neuroplasticity and How To Renew Your Mind
- 5 Steps to Improve Negative Body Image with Grace
11 Tips on Overcoming Body Image Issues
Body acceptance comes with time…
However, I invite you to practice these tips so you can stand on the truth about Whose you are — who you are — and prayerfully have a healthier body image.
1. Invite God into the mix…
Earlier we established that the first step in overcoming a negative body image is to become aware of the problem.
As a Christian woman, inviting God to search and reveal your WHY is key to overcoming body image issues.
“God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on, and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting way— the path that brings me back to you.”
Psalm 139:23-24 TPT
These next 10 steps are inspired by NEDA
2. Appreciate all that your body can do.
Your body is a masterpiece — created by the Master himself! Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you — breathing, eating, moving, dancing, serving, laughing, hugging, and SO much more.
3. Keep a top-ten list of things you like about yourself.
I’m 100% certain you have many God-given talents, skills, qualities, and quirks that make you unique. Things that aren’t related to what you look like — or your size, shape, or weight. Read your list often — out loud (your ears need to hear what your mouth says — it’s called neuroplasticity).
4. Remind yourself that “true beauty” isn’t what you look like.
When you stand firmly in your daughtership, you carry yourself with a sense of humble confidence, self-acceptance, and with a “Jesus glow” that makes you beautiful.
5. Look at yourself as a whole person.
When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. You are SO much more than your body! You have Christ in you, and others need to experience Him through you. See yourself as you want others to see you — as a whole person.
💖 Recommended Resources 💖
Check out all of the FREE Body Image Related Resources here!
6. Surround yourself with spiritually mature women.
It’s easier to heal when you’re around others who are in alignment and agreement with you and your journey. Supportive Christian women who uplift you and recognize your worth just as you are.
7. Take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body isn’t “right.” You get to choose what you allow to take root in your mind. The next time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations like these.
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
8. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that take your mind off of how you look.
Work with your body — not against it…
9. Be mindful of your social media screen time.
Social media is not reality… However, it’s a mighty influence on your self-perception and can hurt your self-esteem and self-worth. Pay attention to images, buzzwords, or attitudes that stir up negative feelings and make you feel bad about yourself or your body. It would be a good idea to unfollow and block those social media accounts.
10. Do something nice for yourself.
Show your body some love! Treat yourself to a cozy bubble bath, carve out time for a rejuvenating nap, or discover a quiet spot outdoors to relax.
11. Shift your focus — instead of thinking about your body — invest that time and energy in helping others.
Overcome negativity with positivity! Sometimes, loving others well can help you feel better, and as a bonus, you get to spread the love of Jesus!
With Jesus, you’ve got this, my beautiful friend!
My prayer for you is that my decades of experience of — an all-consuming battle with the scale — self-worth struggles — and how God has radically worked on my heart will bless and inspire you!
You’re Invited…
You have an open invitation to binge on all of my posts — written with Holy Spirit-inspired words and filled with love just for you — my beautiful friend.
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Thank you for joining me on this journey. You are loved, precious, and wonderfully made.
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