What are some things you say or think about your body?
In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) Week, which is observed from February 26th to March 1st this year, here are some tips that will help you cultivate body neutrality.

• Understand what body neutrality is. Body neutrality is the idea that you can exist without having to think too much about your body one way or another, positive or negative. Know that body is ever changing. You may feel good about your body one day and not as good about it the next. And that’s ok!
• Take a nonjudgmental stance. With body neutrality, the idea of celebrating and loving one’s body is not the end goal, but rather it is finding a middle ground of acceptance.
• Look at body through its function, not its appearance. Body is not an ornament! Acknowledge and respect your body and what it does or provides for you.
• Keep your body functioning with regular service such as providing nutritious food, water, regular breaks, and life-enhancing body movements.
• Think about missed opportunities due to body image concerns. When you obsess about what you look like, it takes up time and energy that could be re-directed elsewhere. Being body neutral is about seeing yourself as more than a body and focusing on life values and things that you enjoy.
• Remember: Your worth and lovability DO NOT depend on your looks. You are worthy for a ton of reasons!