How identifying your values can help you improve your relationship with food and your body
By understanding your values, you can make choices that are authentic and meaningful to you
Values are the principles by which you want to live your life. They are the things that are most important to you. The qualities and principles that guide your actions and decisions and shape your sense of purpose and meaning in life.
But what does identifying your values have to do with your body image and relationship with food?
Identifying your values can improve your body image and relationship with food by helping you clarify what is most important to you and make choices that align with your personal beliefs and principles.
For example, one of your values might be family. Some actions that would align with that might be spending meaningful time with them and showing them respect, experiencing new things together etc. However, if you are preoccupied with thoughts about food and your body it’s likely that you won’t be able to live a life that is in line with your value of family.
Your thinking about how the meal your mom made doesn't have enough veggies or feeling guilty because visiting your family will mean you have to skip your workout will likely prevent you from being fully present when spending time with them.
By understanding your values, you can make choices that are authentic and meaningful to you, which can ultimately lead to greater satisfaction and fulfilment.
How to identify your core values?
You can start identifying your values by answering these questions1:
Deep down inside, what’s important to me?
What do I want my life to be about?
What sort of person do I want to be?
What sort of relationships do I want to build?
If I wasn’t struggling with body and food preoccupation, what would I channel my energy and time into doing?
Identifying your values will help you make choices that align with your personal beliefs and principles. It will guide you to live a meaningful life and to prioritise the things that matter the most to you.
Once you are clear on your values, you can start taking action that is in line with them and that will reflect the person you want to be and the life you want to live.
I help my clients identify their values so they can live a life free of food and body preoccupation. If you need support with this, message me here or check coaching options here 💚
The Happiness Trap (Russ Harris)