Whether you’ve lost weight, gotten in shape, or simply feel healthier, it’s time to check in with your body to see how you’re responding to the Challenge. This weekend, take time to get in touch with your body and how you view it: Do you feel proud, ashamed, accepting? Whatever your experience, use this time to view your body in a positive light, following these exercises from Tracy Gaudet, MD.
- Become aware of your judgments. Stand naked in front of a full-length mirror. If being naked makes you feel uncomfortable, wear whatever you feel comfortable in, with the intention of working up to nudity. Let your eyes fall on all your body parts—face, shoulders, breasts, stomach, arms, legs, knees. Turn around and look over your shoulder at your back and buttocks. As you do this, notice (but don't try to control) your running commentary. Is your voice critical? Loving? Don't judge the voice —just notice it. Write in your journal about this experience.
- Do a body scan. At least once a day, preferably in the morning, sit down and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Turn your attention to the top of your head. Do you feel any tension or pain? Any other sensation? Now continue to mentally scan your whole body, muscle by muscle, all the way down to your toes. As you go along, just notice what you notice. Your goal is to pay attention to what is going on with your body, right now, from the inside.
- Talk with your body image. Sit in a comfortable position, and relax with long, deep breathing. As you relax, invite an image that represents your body to appear. Be patient; this can take time. Accept the first image you see, even if it doesn't seem to make sense. Squelch the voice in your brain that says "That's dumb" or "I'm not doing this right." Next, notice every detail of this image. Then begin a conversation with your body image. Ask the image why it's there. Wait for it to respond, and ask follow-up questions if they occur to you. Do you have anything you wish to say to the image? Write in your journal about this experience.
Read more about healthy self perception:
Tips from Dr. Gaudet
Whole Health: A Body to Love
Question: How has your body image changed since you began the Challenge?
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