When most people want to improve how they feel about their bodies, they often focus on moving more – not taking time out to relax and meditate. But according to a 2015 study published in the journal Mindfulness, finding your inner peace may help chase away feelings of body dissatisfaction. In the study, women who participated in guided self-compassion meditation for about 20 minutes daily for three weeks reported an increased appreciation for their bodies. How? “Meditation requires you to practise being present in the moment, which has a cleansing effect on the subconscious mind, clearing out the body-shaming, self-hating garbage that gets stuck there,” explains Ashlee Davis, a certified fitness trainer and yoga instructor, who helps her clients develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies.
Take action: You can listen to audio files of the exact meditations used in the study at selfcompassion.org. But really, most forms of meditation can be effective, says Davis. Check out local meditation classes or download a meditation app, and commit to a daily practice.