From Reader’s Digest
Everything from our family and friends to the media we consume can have a negative influence on body image. Here’s how to take action—and work towards a healthier relationship with your body.
When most people want to improve how they feel about their bodies, they often focus on moving more—not taking time out to relax and meditate. But according to a University of Texas–Austin study, finding your inner peace may help chase away feelings of body dissatisfaction. In the study, women who participated in guided self-compassion meditation for about 20 minutes daily for three weeks reported an increased appreciation for their bodies. How? “Meditation requires you to practice being present in the moment, which has a cleansing effect on the subconscious mind, clearing out the body-shaming, self-hating garbage that gets stuck there,” explains Ashlee Davis, a yoga instructor and holistic health coach who helps her clients develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies.