Body appreciation: What is it and how it impacts your health and happiness
- Joanna Pustilnik
- Jan 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 24
How a mindset shift can drastically improve your health, joy, and quality of life.
Table of Contents
What Is Body Appreciation?
Most of us know what it feels like to criticize our bodies. But body appreciation is something different- and more powerful. It’s not just the absence of dissatisfaction. It’s the practice of respecting, valuing, and connecting with your body as it is, today.
And I know this can feel SO hard! But it's a skill- something we can nurture and build over time.
Beyond “Not Hating Your Body”
Research defines body appreciation as "holding favorable opinions of the body, accepting it despite imperfections, respecting its needs, and resisting unrealistic cultural ideals" (Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015). It is the ability to admire your body for its very humanness, functionality, and simply because it is the container for our one precious life + beautiful soul.
It is also not simply the absence of negative body thoughts. Studies show that even after accounting for body dissatisfaction, body appreciation predicts higher well-being (Linardon et al., 2022).
In other words- it’s not enough to quiet the inner critic- actually appreciating your body brings unique benefits all its own. This appreciation brings positive emotions, which improve our mental and physical health and increase our sense of innate joy.
Why It Matters
People with higher body appreciation experience:
Better mental health: lower depression, anxiety, and stress, plus more life satisfaction and resilience.
Positive self-connection: greater self-esteem and self-compassion.
Healthier behaviors: more intuitive eating, more joyful and sustainable physical activity, and better overall self-care.
Relational well-being: more comfort in intimacy, stronger social connections, and less preoccupation with appearance.
And location doesn't seem to blunt the impact of body appreciation on overall health. Across 65 countries, people benefit from body appreciation in similar ways, regardless of culture, gender, or sexual orientation (Swami et al., 2021).
What about as we get older? I've found this be true in my own life, so I wasn't surprised, but body appreciation seems to increase with age, as we tend to shift focus away from appearance toward meaning, connection, and function.
Where Does It Come From?
Body appreciation doesn’t appear out of thin air- it develops through experience. Supportive relationships, affirming cultural messages, and environments that value bodies for what they do (not how they look) all play a role. Unfortunately, diet culture, social media comparison, and stigmatizing messages can erode it. The good news is that body appreciation can be cultivated at any life stage.
How to Cultivate Body Appreciation
Body appreciation grows through both mindset and practice. Here are some evidence-based approaches:
Celebrate function, not just form: Notice what your body allows you to do- breathe, dance, hug, create, rest.
Tune into needs: Practice eating intuitively, moving in ways that feel energizing, and resting when tired.
Shift language: Replace harsh self-talk with affirmations that respect your body’s worth and wisdom.
Engage in embodied practices: Yoga, dance, nature walks, or even life drawing can deepen appreciation. Check out my Badass Joy Journey embodiment coaching program that supports feeling more alive in and appreciative of your body.
Creative and reflective tools: Journaling about what you appreciate, writing gratitude lists, or tracking joyful body moments can build awareness.
Community programs: Group settings encourage us to see our bodies as powerful, capable, and worthy. Check out my Badass Joy Workshops (if you live in the DMV area!).
Limits and Care
Cultivating body appreciation is a powerful protective factor- but it’s not a cure-all. For those struggling with severe body image distress or disordered eating, professional support may be needed. And while individual practices help, broader cultural shifts- challenging unrealistic ideals and dismantling stigma- are equally important.
The Takeaway
Body appreciation is more than “feeling OK” about your reflection. It’s an active, ongoing relationship with your body built on trust, respect, and gratitude. Research shows it predicts greater health and happiness, beyond simply reducing dissatisfaction. And the best part? It’s learnable. With practice, reflection, and supportive environments, you can grow a relationship with your body that is not only kinder- but transformative.
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