CHAPTER 03
IMPROVING YOUR #BODYIMAGE
With a stronger understanding of the root causes of poor self #bodyimage, it’s time to address ways in which you can go about improving your #self-esteem. While it certainly won’t be an overnight fix, there are a number of steps anyone conscious about how they look or feel can use to overcome a poor self image.
Ways to improve your body image
Despite being related to what you perceive as a physical “problem”, countering poor body image is largely a mental battle. Let’s take a closer look at some of the techniques you can employ to fight back and get on top of your issues.
Practise positive mental thinking
Did you know it’s actually possible to teach your brain how to think more positively? While it won’t be an overnight fix, you can get into healthier mental habits by doing any of the following:
- Writing down things you like about yourself in a weekly diary
- Repeating positive affirmations on a daily basis
- Sitting and thinking about why you’re grateful for your body
- Eating right and keeping yourself in good physical condition
The more you practice these handy tricks, the more easily you’ll find your thought patterns shifting down positive rather than negative paths.
Find non-physical traits you’re proud of
Looks really aren’t everything. If you’re seriously struggling to find anything positive to say about yourself, consider all the amazing other traits which make you a fantastic individual. That means stuff like your intelligence, practical skills, caring nature, sense of humour, creativity, work ethic or ingenuity.
Try to avoid comparisons
It’s easier said than done, but it’s best to try avoiding comparing yourself to anyone – including your friends and family. You are your own man, and how anyone else acts or behaves should not define that. This is a good attitude to have not just for your looks, but in every aspect of life.
Recognise and identify the root of negative thoughts
Where are the critical thoughts you’re having about yourself coming from? Once you’re able to work out what the trigger for thinking poorly of yourself is, there’s a good opportunity to work towards cutting it out of your life altogether. If it’s something you can’t fully remove, you’ll still be able to work on resolving it.
Taking care of your body
While it’s good to accept the skin you’re in, it would be wrong to suggest getting healthier or fitter is ever a bad thing. It can make you feel better about yourself mentally, while also having a hugely positive impact on your physical health. Some of the best advice for taking better care of yourself includes:
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
A healthy diet
While it’s understandable to want to snack on things you find tasty, good #bodyimage starts with managing and maintaining a decent base-level of health. Find out what’s good for you, then consider creating a diet plan which sees you balance all the right kinds of nutrients. You don’t have to be robotically strict, but it’s handy to have a rough guide to stick to. You’ll find a lot of healthy food can be just as delicious.
Regular exercise
Try to exercise at least once every other day. Even something as little as 15 minutes of exercise a day can boost your overall life expectancy by three years and reduce your risk of death by 14%. What’s more, regular movement will mean your #metabolism keeps working for longer, helping to reduce any excess flab.
Get enough sleep
Our bodies need sleep. It’s how we naturally recharge and find the energy to go about our day. Setting yourself a specific bedtime can help to ensure you’re getting enough to stay balanced. How much sleep you need at night will depend on your age, so make sure to find this out first before creating any kind of sleeping plan.
Talk to a #doctor for guidance
Everyone has different requirements. If you’re really unsure what’s best for your body, a wise move is to speak to a #medicalprofessional. They’ll be able to guide you through what you should and shouldn’t be doing to achieve optimal health. This is a good place to start if you’ve struggled with taking care of yourself in the past.
Getting help for #bodyimage issues
If you’re really struggling to process and come to terms with your #bodyimage problems, there are organisations you can turn to for additional support. These communities are there to help guide you through any trouble you’re having, and are often run by people who have been affected by the same problems you’re facing in the past.
Fumble
This organisation are dedicated to providing young people with a full guide and support network for all challenges relating to sex, relationships and their bodies. You can make the most of their informative range of blogs, directly reach out to a member of their team for support, and even volunteer and fundraise alongside them.
The #MentalHealth Foundation
This group exists to provide people from all walks of life with support for any #mentalhealthproblems they may be facing. They have a variety of resources to browse, as well as some tailored specifically to people suffering as a result of the #coronavirus #pandemic.
The Be Real Campaign
This campaign has been created with the express intent of reminding people that it’s okay to love the skin they’re in – even if it doesn’t comply with what we see on #socialmedia and television. Their ultimate aim is to change how we perceive the perfect body type, transforming from the idealistic image to one that is actually healthy for the human frame.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
