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Healthy body image

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Our relationship with food and nutrition can often depend on how comfortable we feel around our body image. Body image can look different for everyone and can be influenced by messages we receive from our internal and external environment — including media, social connections — and from our brain.

A balanced and healthy body image can happen when we look, feel, and think about our body through acceptance and respect. Being dissatisfied with parts of our body is normal! Finding ways to appreciate and respect our bodies can support continuous well-being.  

Any person, at any age
can experience body dissatisfaction.

Almost 10% of the population
is thought to be living with an eating disorder

Anxiety and eating disorders can overlap
See this PDF infographic

 

 

How can I boost my body positivity?

 

Check in with your schedule

It is important to identify the negative messaging we give to ourselves. Body-affirming messages that focus on things you do well, enjoy and love can help encourage genuine positive self-talk. 

 

Check in with your body

Our bodies look and feel different every day. Providing space for our bodies to move and grow is essential to ensure we are healthy and strong. it is important to find a method of movement that works for you. Find movement that makes you feel the mentally and physical strong.

 

Check in with your mood

Body image is mental and emotional connection to your body. A healthy self-esteem recognizes how you value, respect and accept yourself as a whole person. Taking care of your emotions by forming a self-care and self-compassion routine can help balance mood.

 

Check in with your relationships and social media

Often negative messaging can be reinforced by media networks like movies, shows and social media displaying unrealistic body images. It is essential to recognize your boundaries and limiting messages that make you feel uncomfortable with your appearance. Spend time with reading body affirming media and time with those have healthy relationship with food, body and activity.

When to reach out for help

If you are experiencing an unhealthy relationship with food and body image, it is important you get support.

Here is a list of resources and supports available to all UFV students:

UFV resources

Wellness peers

Wellness peers are students like you, trained to listen and give 1-on-1 support at the Wellness Centre.
Counselling services

Access confidential, no-fee counsellors through UFV Counselling Services.
Student Support Centre

Student support workers can guide you to the right UFV service or program for you.

Community resources

Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health

A self-esteem self-test and helpful resources from the Canadian Mental Health Association
Disordered Eating and Eating Disorders in Racialized Communities

Includes resources tailored for several BIPOC communities
Empower Me

Confidential mental health and wellness service available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Please note that this website does not constitute, and should not be interpreted as, medical advice, diagnosis, or opinion. This website is for informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, reliable, or error-free. This website is not intended as a tool for self-diagnosis, is not a recommendation of a specific treatment plan or healthcare provider, and is not a substitute for proper medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek a consultation with a qualified medical or health professional.