Body Image Tip!

Tell yourself 'I will wear clothes that are comfortable and make me feel good about myself.'

--Adapted from Michael Levine, Ph.D and Linda Smolak, Ph.D in conjunction with the National Eating Disorders Association.

Body Image - Play up your Strenghts!

In an earlier post, we talked about 'What I like about Me.' Continue that post by playing up your strenghts. If your not sure what your talent or strengths are, listen to the compliments that people give you. What do people say when they say 'Your really good at (fill in the blank), 'You really look good in (color),' etc.

Get comfortable with recognizing your strenghts and you'll start putting your best foot forward!

Body Image - What I Like about Me!

So many times, we take 'test' that reveal the negative qualities that we should attempt to change. (We hate those test, especially the really, really long ones!) Instead, can the test and make a list of 'What I Like about Me!' Right now, take a sheet of paper and write down at least 5 qualities you like about yourself!

Body Image - One Minute Affirmation

Write a morale-boosting statement or compliment about your body and/or body image. Tell yourself this everyday!

Body Image - From the Words of Stacy London

From the words of What Not to Wear's Stacy London, 'Know Yourself. Accept your body for what it is.'

The director of College Lifestyles (TM) (Shelly Marie) translation: 'When you learn your size and dress for your size, you will not only look inc edible, but feel incredible. I am all of 5'1". I have learned what shortens my look, but also what can elongate my look. I encourage all to find what works best for them, it could be a color and/or a great outfit. Start to ask your friends, 'which color works best on me?'

Body Image - From the Words of Coco Chanel

'Fashion is architecture. It's a matter of proportions.' - Coco Chanel

'I hate my thighs. My arms are too big. My tummy is big.' Common quotes received by College Lifestyles (TM) during traveling, via email, and in the office. Our response:

'Understand the type of body that you have and flaunt the positive aspects of your body, not the negative. Most folks who are uncomfortable about their thighs have beautiful collar bones; most individuals who are uncomfortable about their tummies have toned legs. It sounds so cliche, but it's true. Right now, write on a sticky note your best body part - it may be your small feet, collar bone, bright eyes, smooth skin; and paste on your bathroom mirror. Select clothes that show off your favorite body parts, not hide them. In other words, as Coco Chanel says, select the clothes that frame your proportions.'