Beyond the Body Bully: How to love the body you're in with this practical expert guide

by Bev Aisbett, Rebecca Reynolds

Australia's bestselling anxiety and mental health author Bev Aisbett, writing together with Rebecca Reynolds, returns with a new book on the inner Body Bully we all have in our heads. If we can improve the way we think about our bodies, that will in turn improve our lives.

Why do we hate our bodies so much? Why do we constantly criticize and pressure ourselves about our bodies? Why do we strive to attain (and punish ourselves when we don't have) thin, ultra-toned bodies? We all have an inner Body Bully, and it's making us ill and unhappy.

This new book from bestselling author Bev Aisbett, writing with nutritionist and adjunct lecturer, School of Population Health, UNSW, Rebecca Reynolds, recognizes that body image starts in the mind - and so by giving listeners gentle guidance, information, advice and techniques on topics such as body appreciation, self-compassion, reduced shame and media literacy, aims to help people identify and change their inner Body Bully's constant critical messages.

Welcome to the start of your journey to beating your Body Bully and finding your inner Body Champion, and learning to love the body you're living in.

256 pages, Paperback

Published December 31, 2024

About the author

In 1991 Bev Aisbett launched a full–time freelance career in cartooning and illustration. Around this time, Bev experienced an ordeal commonly known as anxiety disorder. Out of this experience she developed the character "IT" which led to the successful publication of Living With IT, Living IT Up and Letting IT Go. Bev has also published "Get Real, dealing with body image and eating disorders" and in 2000 the successful "Taming the Black Dog: A guide to depression."

Reviews

[Avril Polson · Rating 2 out of 5]

All opinions are entirely my own. I am in no way affiliated with the author or publisher. Remember to support your local indie bookstore and library!

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨ ᰔ ୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

"The important question to consider is why you don't feel good about yourself as you are - and are willing to put your physical and mental health at risk."

- [ ] Star Rating: 2 Stars
- [ ] Discovery: Browsinng
- [ ] Reading Format: Physical
- [ ] Read Time: 1 Hour

Entry level cognitive behaviour therapy with wikihow style tips on how to treat your body nicely.

Unsure who this book would actually benefit. Less squiggles and more research with sources would add some value to this book.

[Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The “body bully” idea felt very familiar. It made me stop and notice how automatic and normal those thoughts have become.

There are lots of exercises. I haven’t done them properly yet, but I can see how they’d be helpful if you’re ready to sit with some uncomfortable stuff. The tone is kind and practical, not preachy or unrealistic about suddenly loving your body.

Overall, a thoughtful read that gave me a lot to think about, and one I’ll probably come back to when I’m ready to do the exercises.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great little self help book about body image and how we see ourselves differently to the world. I loved the little cartoons in this book as they really reignited with me at times and made me think about things differently. Body image is a huuuuge problem in today’s world and even those of us who feel confident still have moments of doubt and forget to be kind to ourselves.

[Meenal]

29%
don't think reading more will help

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

what I thought was a light reading challenged deep held beliefs