In today’s world, we are constantly being introduced to unrealistic and unnatural beauty standards. We let this define boundaries of beauty and self-worth as we see social media and marketing take over. The idea of “perfection” has haunted us all at some point, as we think perfection is the only way to fully love yourself. But, loving yourself is not about details, makeup, fashion, or size, it is about accepting who you truly are as a person. Yes, self-love can be a difficult challenge with social media and unattainable expectations being constantly thrown at us, but here are some great tips for building sustainable body positivity and loving yourself.
- Treat yourself with kindness.
A crucial step in learning to accept and appreciate your body is to practice self-kindness. Rather than focusing on perceived flaws or criticizing your appearance, try to acknowledge and value all the incredible things your body does for you each day. Your body carries you through life, allows you to experience joy, and enables you to accomplish daily tasks, big and small. Shifting your internal dialogue from self-judgment to self-compassion can help create a healthier mindset. Remind yourself that you are worthy of love, respect, and appreciation, not because of how you look, but simply because you are you.
2. Create a safe and positive space on social media.
Social media and advertisements frequently showcase unrealistic and often unattainable beauty standards, which can contribute to feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. The images we see are often edited, filtered, or carefully curated to present an ideal that doesn’t reflect the diversity of real bodies. To foster a healthier mindset, it’s important to take control of the content you engage with. Be intentional about the media you consume by following accounts that embrace and celebrate body diversity, self-love, and authenticity.
Surround yourself with positive influences that encourage confidence and self-acceptance rather than unrealistic comparisons. At the same time, don’t hesitate to unfollow pages, brands, or influencers that make you feel inadequate or pressure you to conform to narrow beauty standards. By curating your social media feed to include uplifting and inspiring content, you can create an online space that supports your journey toward self-acceptance and body appreciation. Here at Nourished Routes, we promote body positivity on our Instagram page (if you don’t follow us yet, head here!!)
3. Focus on what your body is capable of.
Instead of placing so much emphasis on how your body looks, shift your focus toward all the incredible things it enables you to do each day. Your body is more than just its outward appearance—it carries you through life and allows you to experience joy, connection, and adventure. Whether it’s the ability to dance to your favorite song, take a peaceful walk in nature, embrace a loved one in a warm hug, or even engage in the simple yet essential act of breathing, your body is constantly working for you in ways that deserve appreciation.
One way to build a more positive relationship with your body is to engage in movement that feels good and brings you joy, rather than viewing exercise as a form of punishment or a means to change your appearance. Finding physical activities that you genuinely enjoy—whether it’s yoga, swimming, hiking, or even just stretching—can help you develop a deeper sense of appreciation and connection with your body.
4. Practice healthy habits for the right reasons.
Nourishing your body with wholesome foods and engaging in movement should be acts of self-care, rooted in a desire to feel your best rather than a means of punishment or an attempt to conform to external beauty standards. Eating well is not about restriction or following rigid rules—it’s about fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive, giving you the energy to take on each day with strength and vitality.
Similarly, physical activity should be something that brings you joy and enhances your well-being, not something you force yourself to do out of guilt or pressure to change your appearance. Rather than focusing on diet and exercise as tools for weight loss or transformation, shift your perspective toward developing habits that make you feel strong, energized, and genuinely happy. Choose foods that make you feel nourished and satisfied, and find movement that you truly enjoy.
5. Know that sustainable and self-love is a journey.
Learning to love and accept yourself is not something that happens instantly—it’s a journey that takes time, patience, and self-compassion. Some days, you may feel confident and at peace with your body, while other days may be more challenging, and that’s completely normal. What matters is that you allow yourself grace and understanding, recognizing that body acceptance is an ongoing process rather than a final destination.
Building sustainable body positivity is a continuous journey that requires self-compassion, patience, and a shift in perspective. In a world filled with unrealistic beauty standards, it’s important to redefine self-worth beyond appearance and embrace yourself for who you truly are. Practicing kindness toward your body, curating a positive social media space, and focusing on what your body can do rather than how it looks are all key steps toward self-acceptance. Nourishing yourself with healthy habits for the right reasons—choosing foods and movements that make you feel strong and energized—can further enhance your well-being. Remember, self-love doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a process with ups and downs, but every small step forward is a victory. By committing to treating yourself with respect and appreciation, you can build a lasting foundation of body positivity and confidence that goes beyond societal expectations.
If you’re interested in deeper 1:1 support, you can find the details of my high-touch, personalized coaching program (and how it will change your life forever!) here.
This article is a Blog post written by Jenna Corbett, a nutrition intern. Fact checked by Allison Tallman RD.