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Developing a Healthy Body Image

Developing a Healthy Body Image

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young woman looking in a mirror

Purpose

Learn to value your body as a gift from your loving Heavenly Father, and recognize how your body helps you fulfill your divine roles.

Description

As a group, make a list of the ways the world teaches us to see our bodies. For example, “You have to be a certain size to be beautiful” or “Good looking people get better jobs.” Then, on the other side of the board, make a list of the ways Heavenly Father wants us to see our bodies. For example, “God made me in His image” or “Having a body allows me to serve other people.”

As you plan this activity, please follow the counsel given in chapter 13 of Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010) and review “Safety Recommendations for Church Activities.”

More Ideas

  • Focus on what’s important—Ask the group to brainstorm together on qualities they look for in a person they’d like to date or marry. There’s one catch: they can’t mention anything having to do with the person’s appearance. Discuss how we might tend to think of people in terms of appearance rather than the qualities that matter most. Talk about ways to focus on what’s really important.

  • Learn from an expert—Invite a counselor or other qualified person to talk to your group about overcoming a negative body image and developing a healthy one.

  • The truth will set you free—On separate cards, write some of the negative consequences of an unhealthy body image, such as preoccupation with one’s size or weight, or not getting enough nourishment. Invite participants to take turns choosing and reading a card. Then have the group think of gospel truths that help free us from the consequences of a negative body image.

  • Panel discussion—Organize a panel to talk about body image. Invite a variety of people to be on the panel, such as parents, youth, and leaders. Consider discussing how the “ideal” body image changes over time within a culture and how it varies from culture to culture. Discuss ways to have a healthy body image, regardless of current worldly views.

  • Healthy body—When you exercise, you tend to feel better about your body. You’re healthier, you have have more energy and better muscle tone, and you have less stress and anxiety. Plus, it’s fun! As a group, participate in a physical activity everyone can do, such as a one mile walk, a 5K, a swim, a bike ride, or another fun option. Discuss how a healthy body can help you fulfill your divine roles.

Discussion

Encourage participants to talk about what they are learning. Discussions can take place before, during, or after the activity. You could ask questions like the following:

  • Why do you think it is important to have a healthy body image?

  • When have you benefited from a healthy body image?

  • What feelings or impressions do you have about seeing your body as the Lord sees it?

  • How can you apply what you are learning in your life?

Related Resources

Sabbath Day Lessons

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