Self-esteem is the “real” opinion you have of yourself: how you value and respect yourself as a person. Your self-esteem has a direct effect on how you take care of yourself, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Counteract negative body image messaging:

Model a healthy lifestyle. When others see you eating well and being physically active in a normal, ongoing way, they will accept these behaviors as normal.

Remind people how to identify symptoms of stress: Shallow, fast breathing; sweaty palms; racing heart; headaches or stomach-aches.

Model and teach ways to deal with stress and conflict: Deep breathing, progressive relaxation exercises, a solitary walk, quiet time alone, listening to or playing music.

Help others to develop self-esteem based on qualities other than physical appearance: Compliment characteristics that are not related to someone’s body.

Don’t ignore negative comments about physical appearance, including size, shape, cultural dress or race. Use them as teachable moments without shaming anyone.

Teach critical thinking skills. Help others learn to analyze, synthesize, apply, and evaluate.

Teach about aspects of self and life that one can influence, and help people feel stronger and more able to cope.

Get rid of your diet and get rid of your scale! Listen to your body. Let it tell you how healthy you are. Make health and vitality your goal, not a specific weight.

Avoid labelling food. A healthy approach to eating includes regularly consuming nutrient-rich foods and giving yourself permission to enjoy foods that perhaps are lower in nutrients and higher in calories.

Do not encourage or laugh at jokes that make fun of a person’s size or body. Find a direct and gentle way to say that a person’s worth and morality are not related to how they look.

Criticize the culture that promotes unhealthy body image, not yourself. Question, evaluate and respond to the messages that promote unhealthy body image and low self-esteem.