If we’re on the same side of Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen the reels where the fit influencer shows the comment “you’re so lucky you bounce back so fast after having babies” and then they show a montage of workouts and meals with the caption, “the luck”. Now I don’t want to discount the effort that I’m sure they put into “getting back in shape”. But it’s no wonder we feel such pressure to look a certain way in a certain time frame. First, let me remind you that we all have different body types. Different metabolisms and genetics play a major role in our physical appearance. I understand these concepts, and yet I still have “bad body image days”. As a woman in a world of “picture-perfect posting,” I’m sure you’ve experienced this too. So I wanted to share what I do when having one of those days. 

Now I want to preface that these things don’t immediately change how I see my body. The goal is to not dwell on feeling sorry for myself, and to move on. I hope you can take one or two of these ideas and store them away for when you need them.

Remember what my body has done for me

3 kids. I’ve carried them, birthed them, fed them, and continue to care for them. My body has supported me in it all. AND my body allows me to do so many things I enjoy.

Avoid the scale

The scale can be a tool for health goals, but in moments where I’m struggling with my body image, it tends to only hurt.

Move my body

I’ve found that moving my body helps me remember all it can do. A walk, a run, some weight lifting, etc., its a reminder that I am strong.

Fuel my body

Putting intention into fueling my body – not creating a perfect meal, but something that helps me feel good and nourished.

Think of my kids

How would I want my kids to think about/treat their bodies? I should do the same.

Clean my house

It sounds kind of funny, but I’ve found it helps to feel good in my space.

Positive Self-Talk

I’ve never been big into reciting affirmations, but I do believe self-talk can have a big influence on how we feel and see ourselves. Here are some positive phrases I try to tell myself often: 

• I’m so much more than my physical appearance
• My body is strong
• Its okay to look like i just had a baby when i just had a baby (crazy I know)
• My body is a gift from God. I want to show Him I appreciate it.
• I care for my body because I deserve to feel good, not because I need to look a certain way. 

What Will You Do?

There’s not actually a “picture-perfect” body, just highlight reels of perfect angles, good lighting, and some edits. We all have insecurities, or at times wish we were different. It’s okay to feel that way. BUT move past it. You can be confident in who you are AND be working to be even better.

Store this away for when you need the reminder. 💕