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timely tip from fit it in solutions

Think of something nice to say about your body and let it be your mantra for the week.

Confident, Lean and Happy

What a great combination: confident, lean and happy. For many that is hard to find because most women feel they must be lean and fit before they can achieve the other two. Suzanne Girard Eberle begs to differ. In the September/October 2009 issue of Women’s Running magazine she writes, “Most female runners reach and maintain a leaner weight only after they develop a more positive body image.”

It is a catch 22. How does one develop a positive body image when she feels her body isn’t what she wants it to be?

I teach at a local college and body image is a discussion I initiate with my students every term. Some of the ideas that come up for developing a positive body image include:

• Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people who see the best in you.
• Love yourself from the inside out.
• Smile at people and the positive response will make you get feel more confident.
• Develop the habit of good posture. The way you carry yourself can strongly affect how you feel.
• Focus on what your body is capable of instead of only what it looks like.
• Use positive self talk and state your strengths to yourself repeatedly.
• Eat right and exercise most days of the week.
• Find something you are physically good at and develop that skill.

I am a firm believer that a high level of confidence in one’s ability to succeed (and oneself in general) is one of the keys to success. I also believe it is imperative we teach these skills to our children; especially our pre-pubescent daughters.

What ideas do you have for developing a higher level of confidence and a more positive body image?

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