When we hear the phrase “negative body image” uttered, what does our mind immediately think of? Society has trained us to view body image issues as a “teenage girl problem”.  While it’s true that girls do struggle with it disproportionately to boys, it should be noted that people of all genders and ages battle with staying body positive at some point in their lives. It’s not just an issue for the adolescent; it’s an issue adults experience too (Although rarely articles and stories about body image are framed with adults in mind. They are usually focused on teenage girls.).

It’s true: we all are our own worst critic. Just remember that it’s okay. It happens to everyone. Here are some tips to celebrate your features and to stay away from negative, harmful body thoughts. Below are tips to overcome some negative body thoughts you may experience.

  • Surround Yourself with Positive People

It might sound obvious, but according to research, we tend to think and act similarity to people we interact with on a regular basis. (Link to article). If you are surrounded by people who are negative toward you, discourage you from making healthy or positive body choices, then it might be time to rethink  who you spend your time with. Make an effort to interact with positive and encouraging people who want to help you feel good about yourself.

  • Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Good About Yourself

Don’t feel like you have to conform to society’s standard of beauty by wearing the latest trends (we’re looking at you skinny jeans) Wear the things that make you feel comfortable which emphasize the your favorite features.

Instead of thinking you’ll wear something to hide a part of yourself you don’t like, spin it so its more positive: Wear something to emphasis a positive feature. Sometimes spinning it a more positive way can make all the difference.

  • Speak Out Positive Words About Yourself

It’s amazing what the power of positive words can do for your esteem and confidence. Repeating positive mantras about your body and yourself can help boost your views and feelings toward yourself. Here are some mantras to repeat to yourself from this website: greatist.com/grow/body–positive–mantras