What can you do to achieve your personal best?
Realize that you cannot change your body type, and try not to compare yourself to others. You are who you are, and no one else can be you!
Invest time and money in yourself in ways that make you feel your best. Examples include getting a manicure or massage, buying new clothes or fitness equipment (like walking shoes, gym bag, resistance bands, free weights, etc.), enrolling in a yoga, dance, or martial arts class. Avoid spending money on diet products.
If you weigh yourself, only do so once a week, and be sure to choose the same time of day and wear the same amount of clothes each time. It’s normal for weight to fluctuate by a couple of pounds (up or down) daily or even at different times in the same day, due to fluid shifts or how much you’ve recently eaten, drunk, perspired, or gone to the bathroom. If you feel the need to measure your body fat percentage, only do so once every 6 months. Choose the same method and measurer, and remember that there is at least a 3% margin of error with even the best methods.
Learn to fuel your body for optimal energy, fitness, and health! Check out one of the free nutrition workshops at the John Wooden Recreation Center or visit the “Diet & Nutrition” pages of this web site to find out how well your current eating plan meets your needs.
Move and enjoy your body, not because you have to, but because it makes you feel good! Go for a walk, a swim, or a bike ride, or dance to boost your energy, mood, and cardiovascular health. Do yoga, tai chi, or stretching to relax and improve your flexibility. Use weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight to build muscular strength and endurance. Check out UCLA Recreationor click here for more ideas on how you can fit fitness in to busy college life.
Learning to manage stress can sometimes influence how you feel about your body and weight. You might be surprised how reducing stress in other parts of your life can put your whole life in perspective! Check out the stress management workshops at Student Psychological Services (SPS) or the Mind-Body workshops at Ashe for more information.
Click here for more information and resources about body image.
