What Do I Do If I Have a Negative Body Image?

Write positive messages to yourself on the mirror.

When you have a negative body image, the mirror can be your worst enemy. Turn it into your friend. Use window markers or sticky notes to remind you of truth: Bible verses that identify inner beauty as more precious than outward beauty; positive things that people have said about your character or actions; people to pray for; ways you can bless someone else… 

If you have an accountability partner, she can help you find appropriate messages, or leave them for you as surprises.

Also, if a full-length mirror encourages you to scrutinize your body, then replace it with a mirror that only shows your face.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Stop talking about yourself negatively.

“Boy, am I stupid,” I muttered to myself, half-laughing, as I reviewed my cards.

“You’re not stupid,” my grandfather replied. “You’re just not familiar with this game yet.”

My grandfather was right. Here I was, saying words to myself that I would never say to anyone else, and they weren’t even true. I could not expect myself to play well when I did not have much experience.

It is the same way with our bodies. Don’t say words to yourself that would make you angry if someone said them to your best friend. Don’t tell yourself that you’re fat, or ugly, or stupid. Stop expecting the world of yourself.

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Do not use a calorie counter.

“It became a game,” a young woman told me. “I tried to see how low I could get my calorie intake in a day. The lower the intake, the better I felt about myself.”

If you have a calorie counter app, delete it. What if you’re overweight and trying to reach a healthier weight? You are still better off without the calorie counter. Instead, focus on portion control (only one serving per food type), healthier choices (peas instead of potato chips, only one sweet per day), drinking more water (especially before a meal, because it makes you feel more full), and exercising for at least 20 minutes every day.

1 Corinthians 9:25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Focus on serving others.

A negative body image is almost always accompanied by two things: depression and self-centeredness. In my experience, the best practical cure for both is to turn your focus from yourself to others. Find a lonely elderly woman to reach out to. Pitch into the chores around your home. Mentor a younger woman. Get involved in a ministry.

Going outside your comfort zone for another person is a Christ-like attitude, and as you identify with His deeds, you will learn to identify with His God-centered confidence as well.

Colossians 3:23-24
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Choose good friends.

Often, when a woman struggles with body image issues, she avoids people whom she knows will “care-front” her about her struggles, when those are the very people who could give her the strength to pursue a better path.

Don’t just choose friends who always agree with you, sympathize with you, and understand you. Choose friends who challenge you, love you, and hold you accountable to God’s standards.

This does not mean that it’s okay for a friend to bully you into right thinking, but it does mean that you need more than your usual group of ultra-sympathetic friends who struggle over the same issue. You need accountability with someone who can view the situation without such intense emotions.

Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Trust God.

Surround yourself with Scripture that shows God’s unconditional love toward you in action, and His emphasis on your heart over your body. Perform acts of faith and godliness even when you don’t feel like it. Realize that your loathing of your own body is like telling God that the temple He gave you is insufficient—but God makes no mistakes.

Forget yourself as you learn to love Him more.

Psalm 34:8
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.