5 Things to Remember When Being Body Positive Feels Harder Than Usual

DoSomething.org reports that 91% of women feel unhappy with their bodies. An overwhelming percentage of women are unsatisfied with their appearance and yet, our bodies can do so many remarkable things.

There will be days when defining “confidence” feels impossible, days when identifying one likable thing about your body is an unreasonable task. You might hate your thighs, wishing they were leaner. You might loathe your tummy, wishing it wasn’t as soft. You might think you have ugly feet or too pointy a nose. You might despise your boobs, thinking they’re too small or too large.

But on those days when you look in the mirror and see nothing but the fabricated flaw you’re most self-conscious of staring back at you, remember that your body loves you, even if you have days when you don’t love it. Remember that your body does extraordinary things on a daily basis to keep you alive. Remember these five things:

Your Body Can Make Life.

Friendly reminder that your bod can literally make a human. Grow a baby. Sustain a life. That’s pretty badass.

It Can Heal Itself.

When you suffer a cut, your blood clots so you don’t lose an exorbitant amount of blood. Your body has the extraordinary capability to try to heal itself when wounded.

Your Body Adapts.

There is so much in place in your own biology to protect you. Eyelashes serve the sole purpose of guarding your eyes from foreign objects. The hair on your arms stands up when it’s cold outside, in order to trap in heat. Your body is looking out for you every minute of every day.

It Exceeds Expectations.

Your body can run a mile. Maybe three. Maybe 10 if you push it to its limits and see what it can do. They say moms have been known to lift up cars when their children are in danger. Adrenaline kicks in during crisis, allowing your body to exceed the normal expectations and limitations it usually has.

It Knows Things You Don’t.

Your body sends you messages your mind has yet to comprehend. It can tell you you’re pregnant before your mind conceives the possibility. It can signal danger before your brain even considers it. It can even manifest physical signs of depression before you’re able to pinpoint why you’re feeling so unmotivated or lethargic.

It’s impossible to hate your body when you take the time to consider (and appreciate!) all the amazing things it can do.

Cover image courtesy of Getty Images.

By Stephanie Osmanski on September 12, 2016
Stephanie is a chai tea enthusiast with a special penchant for telling apart the Sprouse twins. She works as a social media editor in the magazine industry and blogs about all things lifestyle at StephOsmanski.com. Her words have been featured on Seventeen, USA Today, J14, Parents, Hollywood, and more.