Do you constantly stand in front of the mirror and look at your perceived imperfections? Maybe you obsess over the numbers on the scale? If you answered "yes," you're not alone. Many people don’t have a healthy relationship with their body, and getting to a place where you accept your body (as it is) and learn to love it, is an uphill journey.

The good news is there are a few steps which can help change your relationship with your body and teach you to accept that there is no one “perfect” body type—despite what the images in the media may make you think.

Firstly, stay away from negative images in the media. We are constantly bombarded by images in the media of beautiful women who all have a certain look and body. Social media and magazines that make you feel inferior should be eliminated from your life. Instead of following pages of people who make you loathe your body, and who you feel represent unrealistic standards of beauty, rather start to follow health bloggers or athletes.

Stop speaking about yourself in a negative manner. Don’t put yourself down, don’t speak negatively about your body and rather try to have a positive outlook. Only say kind words to yourself and try to remind yourself about the good aspects of your appearance, and the things that you are happy with.

Surround yourself with people who accept you as you are. Don’t hang around with people who are constantly negative about their own bodies, or people who want to bring you down or criticise the appearance of others.

Stop obsessing over diets, this only adds stress to your life and there is nothing worse than fad diets which are harmful to your body, and often result in weight gain again, the moment you stop them. Instead, look at what you put into your body in the long-term and establish a healthy eating plan—something which is sustainable.

Set goals for yourself, ones that aren’t necessarily weight related, for example: if you want to learn how to do a really great handstand, conquer 50 pushups, or if there’s a mountain you’ve always wanted to hike up, then work towards achieving these fitness goals. If your goals are entirely different to someone else’s that is nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a journey, and it should be tailored to you. Be realistic, be smart about it, and be accountable.

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