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Your body is a gift – it’s what allows you to move and function. Despite it being your one true companion for life, your relationship with it will depend on how you view it. Some people ignore their bodies completely, others see their body as a friend, others feel anxious about their bodies and others flaunt themselves. Your attitude towards your physical make-up can change over time. Here we discuss some common perceptions and why it’s best to respect your body.

Loving your body

If you respect your body, you are bound to have a good relationship with it. You probably spend lots of time getting to know yourself and you take good care of yourself. You are gentle and affectionate towards your physical self and you give yourself the right nutrition and exercise to stay healthy and function at your best.

Your relationship with your body brings you confidence and enjoyment. It also positively affects how you feel about your partner’s body.

Ignoring your body

You somehow feel separate from your body. It takes you where you want to go but you don’t look after it as you would a friend. You take unnecessary risks and assume your body will continue working for you no matter how you treat it. By discovering your body, you will discover yourself too. Also, by befriending yourself, your relationship with others will improve as well.

Feeling anxious about your body

If your attitude towards your body is one of fear and discomfort, you’re bound to feel anxious about it. Your fears can lead to obsession so that even the slightest ache or pain is fretted over. This could eventually lead to hypochondria.

Your approach may stem from unhappy memories but it’s never too late to do something about it. Find out where your pain originates from and allow and accept the emotions that come with it.

Image conscious

If you’re always obsessed about what you look like and how your body appears to others, you’re in danger of ignoring your other qualities. Your sense of self-worth shouldn’t only come from what you look like. Perhaps you should stop trying so hard to fit the constant challenge of perfection. Relax and allow yourself some freedom.

Tags: lifestyle