Connection Between Mindfulness and Body Image

What comes to thought when you hear the word “Mindfulness”?  Many may connect this with the idea of mediation or finding a state of mental peace, but there is much more involved with this therapeutic practice than may be understood.

Mindfulness can be defined as “bringing one’s complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis” or, “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” [1].

Mindfulness actually differs from mediation in that it requires attentiveness and awareness, in a non-judgmental way, whereas meditation focuses more on reflection as a religious or relaxation technique.  Though the practice of mindfulness has foundations that stem from Buddhist meditation, it has recently entered Western cultures as a secular movement that promotes countless mental health benefits.

Practicing Mindfulness for Help with Eating Disorders

Practicing mindfulness has many documented advantages, including helping those who may be recovering from an eating disorder.  More recently, new research has demonstrated the effectiveness of practicing mindfulness as a form of treating eating disorders.

In a study completed at the University of Newcastle in Australia, researchers attempted to measure mindfulness skills among a group of students and any connection with eating disorder symptoms and body image acceptance.

Using questionnaires for assessment, researchers found that students who practiced aspects of mindfulness, such as being present in the moment or sharing in experiences non-judgmentally, had improved mental health and a better relationship with their bodies and food [2].

In contrast, students were found to be less accepting of their bodies and have increased eating disorder symptoms if they spent more time observing their emotions rather than accepting without judgment.

Interpreting the Connection Between Mindfulness and Body Image

What exactly do these findings tell us, and how can this be helpful to someone recovering from an eating disorder?  This research has shown that certain aspects of mindfulness, particularly the practice of acceptance without judgment, could play an important role in the treatment of eating disorders, as mindfulness can encourage the acceptance of one’s identity and body [2].

Practical Way of Building Body Acceptance and Self-Esteem

Poor body image and low self-esteem can often be the portals through which eating disorders develop and fester.  Practicing greater awareness of your thoughts and being conscientious of your attitude towards yourself, your body, and food can be helpful in preventing disordered eating behavior from progressing into something worse.

When you get dressed in the morning, be aware of how you are thinking about yourself:

• Are you critically analyzing parts of your body with which you are unhappy?
• Do you find yourself thinking that you wished you looked different, were a smaller pant size?
• Do you gaze at magazine covers and constantly compare your body to a model’s?

If so, practice countering those negative thoughts with positive ones!  Tape affirmations on your mirror that remind you of things you are grateful for about your body or appearance.

Building Self-Esteem Takes Time and Practice

If you are having a hard time thinking of yourself in a positive light, ask a loved one to help you.  Practicing acceptance of yourself without judgment may be one of the most difficult things to do, but positive self-esteem is something that can built over time.

These practices can be an invaluable part in the prevention of eating disorders.<

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References:

[1]: Mindfulness Training as a Clinical Intervention: A Conceptual and Empirical Review, by Ruth A. Baer, available at http://www.wisebrain.org/papers/MindfulnessPsyTx.pdf

[2]: http://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/uon:10684

*image courtesy of federico stevanin at freedigitalphotos.net