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Although I had my son quite young, I didn’t have that “snap back” that we hear being talked about so much. In fact, 17 years later, I still have a few areas that need some attention!
But, if there’s one thing that made a huge difference in the way I view myself, it was learning to LOVE my body, even if I didn’t necessarily like every inch of it.
Embracing body positivity changed everything for me!
The journey wasn’t instant—it took daily practice, countless mirror pep talks, and actively rewiring those critical thoughts. But gradually, the harsh self-judgment softened into something much kinder.
Of course, that’s just my story, but millions of women around the world struggle to have their desired bodies for a myriad of reasons, including health and genetics.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to cultivate self-love, embrace the skin we’re in, and give a collective middle finger to the unrealistic beauty standards and airbrushed images we’re brainwashed to aspire to!
To help you with that, I’ve compiled a list of 50 empowering body image affirmations to help you boost your confidence and celebrate your unique beauty.
What’s The Link Between Body Positivity & The Media?
Body positivity and the media have a complex and deeply interconnected relationship.
The media has traditionally been a significant force in shaping societal standards of beauty, often promoting narrow and unrealistic ideals.
Here’s How The Media Shapes Our Body Perception
- Promotion of Unrealistic Standards: For a VERY long time, diet culture and unrealistic standards have dominated our screens. The constant barrage of “perfect” bodies impacts how we see ourselves, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Studies have shown that media representations can contribute to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. For example, research conducted in Fiji found that the introduction of Western television led to the first reported cases of eating disorders on the island, highlighting the media’s powerful influence on body image.
- Photoshopping and Airbrushing: You can’t always trust what you see! Media images are often heavily edited to remove imperfections and create an unattainable standard of beauty. Seeing these seemingly ‘perfect’, airbrushed photos can make people feel insecure about their own bodies. A study published by York University’s Faculty of Health found that “young women who took a social media break for as little as one week had a significant boost in self-esteem and body image”.
Body Positivity Movement’s Role in Media
- Challenging Beauty Standards: The body positivity movement has become a powerful force in challenging these outdated ideals. By showcasing diverse bodies—different sizes, shapes, ethnicities, and abilities—the movement normalises what real bodies actually look like.
- Inclusive Campaigns: Brands are (finally) catching up, too. More inclusive campaigns like Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign, which features various body types, send a message that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all.
- Social Media Activism: Social media, despite its problems, has become a platform where authentic voices can challenge mainstream narratives about weight, appearance, and worth. Activists and influencers use these platforms to share unedited photos, personal stories, and messages of self-love and acceptance
Through these collective efforts, we’re witnessing a slow but meaningful shift in how bodies are represented and valued. It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.
So, How Can Body Positive Affirmations Help Me?
According to a study, affirmations have been shown to improve a positive self-view, decrease stress, increase well-being, and make people more open to behaviour change.
When these affirmations specifically address body image, they become powerful ways to transform your relationship with yourself.
Here’s how they can help:
1. Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence
Repeating positive affirmations can help rewire your brain to focus on your strengths and positive attributes rather than your perceived flaws.
This shift in focus can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence and counteract the negative self-talk that often accompanies poor body image.
2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Affirmations can also help reduce stress and anxiety related to body image. By focusing on positive statements about your body, you can diminish the impact of negative thoughts that cause stress.
3. Encouraging Healthy Behaviours
When you feel good about your body, you’re more likely to engage in healthy behaviours, such as exercising and eating well, because you’re motivated by self-care rather than self-criticism. Body image affirmations reinforce the idea that taking care of yourself comes from a place of love, not punishment or obligation.
4. Building Resilience Against Negative Influences
In a world where media and societal pressures often perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, affirmations can serve as a buffer against these negative influences.
How To Practice Body Positive Affirmations Effectively
Body acceptance doesn’t happen overnight, but these practical approaches can help make affirmations a meaningful part of your daily routine:
- Blend Them Into Existing Routines: Incorporate affirmations into moments you already have—during your skincare routine, while brewing coffee, or before falling asleep.
- Choose Affirmations That Feel True: Select statements that resonate with where you are right now—not where you think you should be. An affirmation that feels like a complete lie won’t stick!
- Create a Consistent Practice: Consistency matters more than duration. A daily two-minute practice is more effective than an occasional thirty-minute session.
- Write Them Down: Keeping your favourite affirmations in a journal reinforces their impact and provides a resource for challenging days.
50 Body Positive Affirmations
1. My body is worthy of love and respect exactly as it is.
2. I am grateful for all the amazing things my body allows me to do.
3. Every part of me is beautiful and deserves appreciation.
4. I embrace my imperfections as unique aspects of who I am.
5. I choose to focus on what my healthy body can do rather than how it looks.
6. I release all negative thoughts about my body and replace them with love.
7. My body is my home, and I treat it with kindness and care.
8. I celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of all bodies, including my own.
9. I am confident in my own skin and radiate self-assurance.
10. I nourish my body with healthy choices and enjoy indulgences in moderation.
11. My worth is not determined by my appearance; I am inherently valuable.
12. I appreciate the strength and resilience of my body.
13. I honour my body’s need for rest and relaxation.
14. I am at peace with my body’s natural shape and size.
15. My body is a masterpiece, worthy of admiration and love.
16. I release comparison and embrace my own journey to self-love.
17. I am proud of my body’s unique quirks and features.
18. I choose clothes that make me feel comfortable and confident.
19. My body is a vessel for love, joy, and fulfilment.
20. I am deserving of love and acceptance exactly as I am.
21. I trust my body’s signals and treat it with compassion.
22. I refuse to let society’s standards dictate how I feel about my body.
23. I am grateful for my body’s ability to heal and regenerate.
24. I am more than my physical appearance; I am a whole person.
25. My body deserves care and appreciation, no matter its shape or size.
26. I speak to myself with kindness and encouragement.
27. I am empowered to define beauty on my own terms.
28. I am grateful for the unique characteristics that make me who I am.
29. I release the need for perfection and embrace my authentic self.
30. I radiate confidence from within, regardless of external judgments.
31. I honour my body’s need for movement and exercise.
32. I am comfortable and confident in my own skin.
33. My body is a temple, and I treat it with reverence and respect.
34. I am deserving of love and admiration, just as I am.
35. I am more than my physical appearance; I am a radiant soul.
36. I am grateful for the wisdom and intuition my body provides.
37. I appreciate the journey my body has taken me on and look forward to its future adventures.
38. I celebrate the unique qualities that make me who I am.
39. I am grateful for the support and strength my body provides me every day.
40. I choose to focus on inner beauty and cultivate self-love.
41. My worth is inherent and not dependent on external validation.
42. I am proud of my body’s resilience and ability to adapt.
43. I embrace my body’s natural rhythms and cycles.
44. I am deserving of love and respect, regardless of my appearance.
45. I treat my body with kindness and compassion in all situations.
46. I am worthy of feeling confident and comfortable in my own skin.
47. I am grateful for the unique gifts my body brings to the world.
48. I release all negative judgments about my body and replace them with love.
49. I honour my body’s need for nourishment and rest.
50. I am grateful for the miracle that is my body, exactly as it is.
Final Thoughts
Starting this practice of body positive affirmations might feel awkward at first—trust me, I’ve been there. But each time you choose compassion over criticism, you’re building a healthier relationship with yourself.
Remember, embracing your body isn’t about reaching some magical endpoint where you never have an off day. It’s about creating space for acceptance alongside whatever else you’re feeling. Some days will flow easier than others, and that’s perfectly okay.
Your body has carried you through every moment of your life. It deserves your kindness, even when that feels challenging. So take these affirmations, make them your own, and watch how small shifts in your internal dialogue can transform your entire experience of living in your skin.
FAQs
Yes, body positive affirmations can be effective for many people in improving body image and self-esteem. Research suggests that practising positive self-talk and affirmations can lead to greater self-compassion and reduced body dissatisfaction over time.
Totally normal! It can take some time to feel the full effect of affirmations, especially if you’re used to being hard on yourself. Start with ones that feel authentic, and as you build confidence, you can amp it up with more empowering statements.
Body positive affirmations can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms of body dysmorphia, they’re like a gentle reminder that you’re more than your perceived flaws, BUT they are not a substitute for professional treatment. If you struggle with body dysmorphia or other mental health concerns, it’s important to reach out to a qualified therapist or mental health professional who can provide personalised treatment and guidance!
