Education Hub
Appreciate your body
13 Years & Older



All bodies are different, and that’s what makes them incredible. No two people experience the world in exactly the same way – we have our own ways of seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling and moving. It’s important to appreciate our bodies for all their differences, because that’s what makes us unique and special.
When we appreciate our bodies, we are more likely to have better mental and physical health. We are more likely to care for our bodies by treating them with respect and giving them what they need. This means we can do the things we love and get the most out of every single day.

It can be tough to appreciate our own body if we are constantly comparing it to others. Some bodies can run fast, some bodies are good at algebra, some bodies can sing and some bodies are really good at knowing when they need to rest. Everybody has different skills, strengths and talents. Wishing your body was more like someone else’s or trying to change your body in some way doesn’t end well.
When people make comments about the way we look – either positive or negative – it’s hard not to be affected by it. If someone says something to you, or about you, remember that there is absolutely nothing wrong with your body. Focus on what makes you unique and special, instead of trying to change the way you look to conform.
If we make time to appreciate our bodies each and every single day, we build strength and resilience against anything that might make us feel bad about our bodies.

Appreciating our body is an important lifelong skill to have. This is even more important when we are tired, sick, not feeling great or noticing our body starting to change during puberty. Researchers have discovered that when we appreciate our body, we are more likely to fuel it with a wide variety of foods and do physical activity we enjoy. It even makes us more likely to ask for help when we need it – and that’s a great thing!
Embracing your body is good for you in so many ways.
People with positive body image are more likely to put their hand up in class, attend and succeed at school, and go for opportunities like leadership positions (hey, school captain!). Think about all the things you could achieve if you’re not spending your time worrying about the way you look or trying to change your appearance.






Interactive Downloads
Download these free resources to help you embrace your body!
REFRAME FOR APPRECIATION
Flip the square to see how you can transform the way you appreciate your body.
I wish my body looked as good as my friend’s body.
My body is different to my friends, and I wish I was the same as them.
I’m not as fit as my friend and it takes me longer to do physical activity.
I get frustrated with my body when it gets sick.


When I am tired, I can’t do the things I want to do.
I feel bad when I don’t do well on a test.
I feel bad when I compare my body to others.
Sometimes it feels like my body isn’t good enough.




My commitment to myself
I will accept and appreciate my body.
I will fuel and move my body because it feels good!
I know that I have special magic – unique only to me.
What I look like is not as important as what I do and who I am being in this world.
I will Embrace my body and encourage other people to do the same.
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