Positive Body Image

What Are Five Ways We Can Display a Positive Body Image?

As human beings, we’re deeply influenced by the people around us. For example, if you sit next to someone at work who’s always complaining, you might find yourself thinking more negatively, too. When working toward a healthy, positive body image, it’s helpful to consider how your behaviors affect others. By displaying a positive relationship with your body, you model to your kids, friends, family, and community that self-care and compassion matter.

Here are five powerful ways to demonstrate a healthy and accepting relationship with your body:

1. Talk About Your Body With Compassion

Try to limit the negative or critical comments you make about your appearance—including facial expressions or sighs of disapproval when you see yourself in the mirror or a photo. Use neutral or positive language when describing your body, focusing on what it does rather than how it looks. For example, you might say, “These shorts let me stretch and run—just like I love to do!” instead of, “Ugh, I don’t like how my legs look in these shorts.”

If it’s hard to find something kind to say about your body, try saying nothing about it at all. Instead, shift your attention to another trait or quality you value in yourself that has nothing to do with appearance.

2. Practice Exercising for Enjoyment, Not Punishment

As adults, we often default to rigid or structured workouts—like 60-minute gym sessions or intense fitness classes—because we think that’s what we’re supposed to do. But think back to how you moved as a child. Did you dance around the kitchen? Race to the end of the block just for fun? Reconnecting with joyful, playful movement can help exercise feel more freeing and less like a chore.

Let go of the “rules” you’ve created around what counts as valid exercise. Even if you don’t have time or energy for a full workout, 15 minutes of stretching or a gentle walk still counts. Listening to your body and moving in ways that feel good is a powerful form of self-respect—and it shows others what self-care really looks like.

3. Wear Clothes That Are Comfortable and Authentic

Buying a bigger clothing size can feel uncomfortable at first, but wearing clothes that actually fit allows you to move with ease and feel confident. You don’t need a full shopping spree—even a couple new shirts or pants can make a difference.

The fashion industry tries to dictate what styles are "in," but not every trend suits every body—and that’s perfectly okay. Choose clothes that feel right for your body and style. Don’t dress for a certain occasion based on how you think you’re "supposed" to look—dress in a way that helps you feel like you.

4. Model Balance and Self-Compassion on Tough Body Image Days

Modeling a healthy body image doesn’t mean pretending that every day is a good body image day. It’s okay to acknowledge when you're struggling—just be mindful of your language. Rather than saying something self-critical like “I look gross today,” try expressing your emotions with compassion: “It’s frustrating when I feel like I’m at war with my body” or “It makes me sad when I have days like this.”

Remind yourself and others that tough body image days are normal. Instead of shaming yourself, practice self-care and gentleness. Rest, indulgence, and kindness are important—not just on good days, but every day.

5. Compliment Others on Traits Beyond Appearance

When giving compliments, remember they don’t need to focus on looks. Try acknowledging someone’s personality, talents, or strengths—like their sense of humor, kindness, or creativity.

If you do want to compliment appearance, focus on things within someone’s control, like their outfit or hairstyle. For instance, “I love the color of that top—it suits you so well!” is a great alternative to commenting directly on someone’s body.

Displaying a positive body image doesn’t mean you love your body all the time. We all have days when we feel more connected—or more critical—toward ourselves. But by practicing these five habits consistently, you’ll set a powerful example for the people around you—and you may just inspire a more compassionate relationship with yourself in the process. The more we choose curiosity, care, and kindness, the more natural it becomes to truly inhabit our bodies with peace and pride.