Many of us have a complicated relationship with our bodies. We pick at what we see in the mirror, compare ourselves with filtered images and forget how much our bodies do for us every single day.

Body positivity is about treating your body with respect and kindness, whatever its shape, size or ability. It doesn’t mean loving every inch of yourself every minute. It means choosing kindness over criticism, as often as you can. Here are nine gentle ways to begin.

1. Define wellness for yourself

Wellbeing isn’t a number on a scale or a size on a label. Think about what truly makes you feel well: energy, rest, joy, connection, strength. Let that guide you.

2. Meet the body you have today

Rather than waiting for some future body, care for the one you have now. Feed it, rest it, move it and dress it with kindness.

3. Notice the inner critic

When a harsh thought arises, notice it without fighting it. Ah, there’s that critical voice again. You don’t have to believe everything it says.

4. Choose supportive company

Spend more time with people who don’t comment on bodies, and less time with those who do. The same goes for social media: unfollow accounts that leave you feeling worse about yourself.

5. Move for joy

Move your body because it feels good, not to punish it. Dancing, walking, swimming, stretching, gardening. Choose what you enjoy.

6. Thank your body

Each day, thank your body for three specific things. Thank you, legs, for carrying me up the stairs. Thank you, hands, for making dinner. Thank you, lungs, for every breath.

7. Nourish without rules

Eat foods that nourish and satisfy you, without strict rules or guilt. Listen to your hunger and fullness. How to start eating mindfully can help.

8. Wear what feels good

Choose clothes that fit comfortably and make you feel like yourself. You don’t need to wait for a different body to wear what you love.

9. Be gentle on hard days

Some days you’ll feel good about your body, and some days you won’t. On difficult days, offer yourself compassion. It’s okay to feel this way. I’m still worthy of kindness.

How little is enough

Choose one practice this week. Thank your body each evening, or catch one critical thought and soften it. Small acts of kindness add up.

If your feelings about your body are causing you a lot of distress, please reach out to someone you trust. You deserve that support.

For more on self-kindness, read 9 ways to show yourself more kindness.

If you’d like to keep exploring, you’ll find a few gentle guides on the Guides page.