Love Your Body: What You Can Do
Create your own positive images of women
— Design a poster to enter in our annual contest!
Take our survey on body image
— Let us know which ads or images or characters (TV or movies) most represent
an oppressive beauty standard. Also, which ads or images are the most positive
for women and girls? (Also, read how others
have responded to the survey!)
Order official Love Your Body goodies!
— Get your own posters, magnets, stickers and more.
Stage a mock beauty pageant
or plan another action — Not
only do pageants uphold certain beauty standards that are dangerous and nearly
impossible to attain, they pit women against each other. Subvert this institution
by staging a mock beauty pageant!
Host an 'indulgence party' — Invite
friends over and encourage them to wear whatever makes them feel good-sweat
suits, flip flops, pajamas—and serve delicious, decadent foods or silly snacks
without the guilt. Urge everyone to come prepared to talk about their feelings
and experiences.
Sound off to advertisers
— Don't buy products from companies that use negative images of women
in advertising. Make sure that magazine editors, television producers, and others
know what you think about the images they are choosing.
Get the facts on how advertising
affects women's health, body image and self-esteem.
Make a pact with yourself to treat
your body with respect. Give yourself a break from women's magazines
and the mass media. Try a new physical activity just for fun, not to lose weight.
Stop weighing yourself, and change your goal from weight loss to improving your
health.
Finally, spread the word about the Love Your Body campaign:
Send an e-card to friends and family members!
10 Ways to Love Your Body
- Indulge on your own terms. Whether it's fresh veggies from the Farmer's Market, or a pint of Häagen Dazs Vanilla Fudge ice cream or loving your body is also about loving your taste buds every once in a while.
- Stretch your mind and body. Yoga—gentle yoga that encompasses relaxation and a healthy lifestyle, as well as meditative yoga—can bring one to the consciousness of their unique inner being. Yoga can rejuvenate the mind and body and teach us how to care for ourselves.
- Read. It can be a source of entertainment, a way to catch up on current events or an educational tool. Several books have been published on loving your body—get some new ideas!
- Throw a private party. It worked for India.Arie and it can work for you too. Take a day for yourself and yourself only. Turn off your cell and log out of your instant messenger. Just spend the day looking in the mirror and exploring your body. Once the celebration is over you'll realize that you learn something new everyday.
- Laugh out Loud. This isn't just an Internet acronym spelled out. It's an action that will do your body some good. Don't be afraid to show the world your smile. It's contagious.
- Have safe sex. Loving our bodies is about keeping them healthy and free from diseases. And besides, there's nothing like getting a two for one on Love Your Body Day.
- Spend time with your family. Whether it's a pet or partner, your spouse or a sibling, quality time is a must-have in nurturing relationships which in turn nurture and love your body.
- Listen to positive music. Developing a theme song can do wonders for your body esteem and your overall outlook.
- Develop a creative outlet. Everyone needs a medium to express daily stress and frustrations constructively. Maybe you're a photographer, writer, poet or all three. Maybe you can knit, make shapes out of clay or finger paint. Loving your body is also about loving your mind.
- Contribute to NOW Foundation so that they continue to give great ideas through the Love Your Body Campaign (P.S. It's even tax-deductible!). Send us your ideas.
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