Many people think that boys don’t care about their physical appearance. Guys may not talk as much about their bodies as girls. Your body image is what you think and how you feel about your own body and your own physical appearance. If you focus too much on what you dislike about your physical appearance, your self-esteem could go wrong.

People with a good body image: 

• feel good about their physical appearance
• accept their body as it is
• are satisfied with what their body can do

Do you want to feel more satisfied with your body? Here are some ideas: 

• Focus on the things your body can do well. Can you run, walk, swim, or ride a bike? Hitting the ball with a baseball bat, kicking at goal in soccer, shooting in basketball, throwing in football? Do you know how to climb, walk in the mountains, dance? Can you draw, paint, sing, play a musical instrument? Your body is much more than your physical appearance.
• Become aware of your body. When you stretch, grab things, go up and down stairs, tie your shoelaces, you are keeping your body in action. It’s easy to take the body for granted and assume it does what it has to do. But try not to.
• Do some strength training exercises.  Being fit can help you look better and feel good about yourself. Being in shape is not something that comes out of nowhere. Find a good coach or monitor to advise you. A good workout will also improve your mood.
• Treat your body well. Do not smoke or do other things that you know are harmful to health. Eat healthy foods. Sleep enough. Keep your body clean. Shower frequently. If you continuously treat yourself well, you will have a healthier and stronger body, which will help you to have a better body image.
• Be yourself.  Your body is only a part of who you are. Focus on things about the type of person you are. Are you sincere, kind, and a good friend? Are you good at math, science, or writing? Are you a lover of the great outdoors? An animal lover? A great reader, a great cartoonist or a good musician? There are many good things in you.

Do things that help people.  Use the strength, energy and abilities of your body to help others. Did you know that your body image can be reinforced when you do (willingly) a task that helps other people? So, paint your little sister’s room, rake through a neighbor’s yard, wash the dishes, or take out the trash. Helping will make you feel good.

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