10 Weeks 10 Tips

1. 10 Weeks10 Tips 10 skills for developing a Healthy Body Image and Self-esteem* *Galdwin L. A. (2002) Fitness Theory and Practice, 4th Edition, AFAA p. 208

2. HONOR YOUR PERSONAL STORY Who are you? Past events and experiences “shape” our conception of body image. By acknowledging your personal story you become more conscious of past positive and destructive lifestyle patterns and are more receptive to choosing healthier behavior. Be the hero in your own story

3. Accept yourself the way you are Is there a need for change in what you see? Developing an acceptance of your body image in the present form allows you to channel your energies into modifying behavior, rather than struggling with negative “woulda, coulda, shoulda” thinking. Call it ... Opportunity!!

4. Create a positive mental outlook • The attitude that you bring into a situation greatly determines the outcome. • Creating, nurturing and sustaining a positive attitude is thekey to feeling good about yourself. It all starts with " what you think" and "what you think about it"!!

5. Develop positive self-talk skills • Self-talk is composed of the messages you give yourself on an ongoing basis. • By developing positive statements and affirmations you reinforce qualities, skills and attributes that exist within you. • Regular use of affirmations will make an impression on your unconscious mind and have a major effect on the way you view yourself. I am beautiful I am a nice person I am good enough

6. Guide away from comparisons • A healthier body image challenges the “picture perfect” images that the media and advertisers encourage people to emulate. • Beauty is a multi-dimensional ever-changing combination of a variety of aspects of an individual. • Celebrating the differences in hair texture, body build, skin color, energy level, attitude, age and inner beauty creates individual expressions of beauty that make each person unique.

7. Build your self-reliance • Each time you challenge yourself and attempt a task or skill that is outside of your comfort zone, you will experience confidence in your abilities. • By creating daily, mini mental, physical, emotional and spiritual challenges, you strengthen your mind, body and spirit resourcefulness.

8. Live in the now • To enjoy life fully, it is important to remember to stay in the present and experience life from moment to moment. • What is needed is a healthy balance of looking forward to the future with anticipation, while respecting the past for its insight and, most importantly, living in the now. Today is a gift, This is why it is called: the P R E S E N T...

9. Reward yourself Creating rewards and positive incentives to keep you on track with your body image program is essential for long-term maintenance. Develop daily, weekly and monthly incentives that recognize the effort you are putting into your personal body image wellness program.

10. Give yourself praise Acknowledge the positive steps you make in taking care of yourself. Be open to the praise of others and regularly give and receive compliments. Good Job! Congratulations

11. Be connected… • Honoring the role that other people play in your life is important to staying on track with healthy behaviors. • Take time out to be in touch with nature and the environment. Plant a garden, nurture a pet, visit an elder, and lean something from a child today. Special Thanks to Energy Fitness, 308 Carswell Ave, Waycross, GA 31501