Two Exercises to Bolster Body Image & Self-Image Post Cancer Diagnosis

I am fascinated by the topic of body image and self-image and shared thoughts on both here. Cancer or no cancer, it’s a topic many women, and men as well, struggle with. Let’s face it, breast cancer does a number on a woman’s body. In this post, I’m sharing two simple exercises to bolster your body image and self-image. I’d love to hear your thoughts and your ideas for doing the same, so leave a comment at the end if you wish.

When you think about it, how can the way a woman feels about her body and herself in general not be dramatically impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment?

If you’re a man who’s been diagnosed with breast cancer reading this, I’d love to know your thoughts too.

How did you feel about your body before cancer?

Since cancer, has your view of your physical self gone downhill?

I’m guessing you are nodding, yes.

What about your self-image?

Has that taken a hit too, or have you managed to keep that pretty much in tact?

My body image, or the way I feel about my physical self, has plummeted for a whole host of reasons. My self-image I would say is somewhat damaged, but still in pretty good shape, so I guess in that respect, I’m lucky.

So, how does a woman (or a man) go about rediscovering, reclaiming, and retaining a positive body image and self-image post cancer diagnosis?

First of all, allow yourself to grieve for the old you. I can’t stress this enough. After all, breast cancer is a string of losses. Grieving is the natural response to loss.

This does not mean you are ungrateful or stuck in the past. Don’t apologize for missing the old you. Don’t wallow, but don’t deny. Grieving is part of moving forward. And yes, sometimes you will take one step forward and then two steps back. That’s okay.

Now, here are two simple exercises that might help to  restore, reclaim, and bolster a positive body image and self-image:

#1  – Practice looking at your bare-naked self in the mirror (definitely feel free to lock the door or better yet, wait till no one’s home) for one minute a day, and then two, and then three and work your way up to five (or however many you can manage) minutes. If need be, start with 30 seconds because a minute can feel like a long time when you’re doing this exercise. Trust me. I tried it, so I know.

Look at yourself only with eyes of self-love, self-compassion, and appreciation for the body you have right now, just as it is. No negative thoughts allowed. Focus on what your amazing body (yes, your amazing body) continues to do every day. And yes, keep your eyes open the whole time!

Next, try to say something kind/positive (this is one time I am promoting forced positivity!) about a specific, physical feature you have. Everyone can find something! Keep doing this for a week, or two, or more. Longer is better. Making it a daily habit — better yet. You can repeat the positive attributes you come up with, which is helpful if you don’t feel you have much to choose from.

#2 – Each day, write down in a journal, notebook, or planner something you like about yourself, something you’ve accomplished, something you’re good at — just something totally unrelated to your appearance that makes you unique, special, and worthy. And it doesn’t have to be anything “big”. 

This exercise is meant to build up your self-image and again, be carried out for two weeks or longer. Daily is even better here too.

So what do you think?

Helpful?

I plan to do them both (when I remember).

Why not join me?

Do have body image or self-image issues?

So you have tips to share on how to bolster up either?

What is something you like about yourself, or what is something you’re good at?

Sign up for news from Nancy’s Point here.