Sept. 19, 2020&mdash;Chances are you've heard at least one joke about the "COVID 19"&mdash;weight gain people say they've experienced during the pandemic. 

The jokes aren't meant to hurt anyone. But for those at risk for an eating disorder, they could make a difficult situation even worse. Combined with isolation and stress, the pandemic could prove a perfect storm in which eating disorders and body image issues flourish.

So it may be a good time for all of us to rethink the ways we talk to ourselves about our bodies. 

Steps toward a better body image

Changing harmful attitudes about your body isn't always easy. But there are ways to start down a more positive path. Consider these 10 tips from the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netreturns.biz/healthinfo/bouncelink.aspx?shortcut=edap">National Eating Disorders Association</a> (NEDA) and others on healthier ways of looking at yourself:
<ol>
 <li>Focus on all the great things your body can do&mdash;like dancing, laughing or dreaming.</li>
 <li>Make a list of what you like about yourself, unrelated to your physical appearance. Embrace what makes you unique.</li>
 <li>Remind yourself that true beauty comes from within. When you feel good about yourself inside, your confidence shines on the outside.</li>
 <li>Be around positive people who love the whole you. Try to see yourself as they do.</li>
 <li>Watch your words. Try not to complain about your body, your workout or your diet. </li>
 <li>When you have a negative thought about yourself, try to replace it with something positive.</li>
 <li>Be kind to your body. Treat yourself to a nap, a warm bath or a peaceful walk in nature. </li>
 <li>Don't let negative media messages about body image get in your head. Think critically about what you're hearing and seeing&mdash;and counter those messages.</li>
 <li>Take a hard look at your own attitudes toward weight, food, health and beauty. What prejudices do you hold?</li>
 <li>Let go of the idea that you'll be happy if only you can reach a particular weight. Happiness doesn't come from what you look like on the outside.</li>
</ol>
NEDA offers a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline">Helpline</a> for people struggling with eating disorders or body image issues. Call, chat or text for support, resources and treatment options.

Or visit <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/forums/covid-19">NEDA's COVID-19 forum</a> for a safe online space to discuss what's on your mind.

Build a more positive body image

Happiness doesn't come from what you look like on the outside. Here are 10 ways to start loving your body more. 