What Does “Body Positive” Mean?
How this concept is defined varies from person to person. However, a common thread is acceptance. To be body positive is to accept and promote the inherent value of all body types.
Generally speaking, this occurs in both an individual and a societal realm. This goes beyond just challenging the popular media images of acceptable bodies in terms of size and shape. To be body positive is also to recognize how our bodies are judged by standards of gender, ability and ability, race, and sexual orientation.
The holistic goal of the growing body positivity? To foster healthy relationships with our bodies — on a micro and macro level. Big picture perceptions shape individual perspectives. Body positivity addresses this truth.
Factors that May Contribute to Body Image Problems
There was a time when movies, TV, and magazines combined to set societal beauty standards. If this standard wasn’t already frustrating enough, along came the internet. From Instagram influencers to YouTube tutorials, you are surrounded by messages of what you “should” look like. The result is often a negative body image… but it doesn’t end there.
Body image problems can lead to emotional anxiety related to exercise, eating disorders and a wide range of other daily behaviors and choices. With this as background, it is more important than ever to take steps toward a more body-positive mindset.
Caretakers during childhood: Caretakers can unintentionally contribute to body image issues through their attitudes and behaviors towards their own bodies or those of their children. Comments about weight, appearance, or dieting can lead to a child internalizing negative beliefs about their own body.
Home environment
Growing up in an environment where appearance is heavily emphasized or where there are unrealistic expectations about body size and shape can lead to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.
Sexual, physical, psychological, verbal abuse
Abuse in any form can profoundly impact one’s sense of self-worth and body image. Survivors of abuse may develop negative associations with their bodies or struggle with feelings of shame and inadequacy.
Social pressure in school
Peer pressure to conform to certain beauty standards or to fit in with a particular social group can create anxiety and self-consciousness about one’s appearance.
Media portrayals
Unrealistic and idealized representations of beauty in media can lead to comparison and dissatisfaction with one’s own body. Constant exposure to flawless images can cultivate feelings of inadequacy and a desire to attain an impossible standard of beauty.
Teasing about weight, shape, and/or eating habits
Bullying or teasing related to weight, body shape, or eating habits can have lasting psychological effects, contributing to body image issues, disordered eating behaviors, and low self-esteem.
Pop culture images
Images of celebrities and influencers celebrated for their appearance can create unrealistic expectations about beauty and body ideals, leading individuals to feel inadequate if they don’t measure up.
Social media
Social media can and often does directly lead to the development of body image issues. Studies have found that everyone — from pre-teens to full-grown adults — develop some form of body image distortion based on how much time they spend on social media.
On some level, we all know that most people share only their “highlights” online. They’ll take dozens of photos until they get the one that looks just right. We know this, yet we still compare our unedited life with others’ highlight reels and best life montages.
Advertising
Advertisements often perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and promote products or services that promise to “fix” perceived flaws, contributing to feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.
Dating experiences
Negative dating experiences, such as rejection based on appearance or pressure to change one’s body to fit a partner’s preferences, can exacerbate body image issues and undermine self-confidence.
Pressure to exercise
While exercise can be beneficial for physical and mental health, pressure to exercise excessively or to achieve a certain body type can lead to unhealthy attitudes towards fitness and body image, including exercise addiction or body dysmorphia.
How to boost your body positivity
Take regular tech breaks
Pop culture is a major factor is body image issues, these days, pop culture is not easily avoided. Tech breaks must be planned and adhered to. None of us can manage without some relief from the non-stop notifications. Schedule regular breaks and re-learn how to trust your personal life compass.
Keep a journal
An important aspect of body positivity is knowing your triggers. Journaling is a tried and true method of tracking events and situations. Your journal will also come in very handy during therapy sessions.
Step Away From Your Scale
There’s another “device” to eliminate from your life: your scale. It has far too much unearned and undeserved power in our culture. Ironically, as a measure of health, it carries very little weight (pun intended).
Practice self-care
If you deem your body worthy of a regular self-care regimen, it can change your overall body image. Take the time to focus on your physical and emotional needs. Here are some basics to get you started:
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Stress management
Cultivate what relaxation techniques feel best for you. Examples include yoga, Tai Chi, meditation, and breathing exercises.
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Healthy eating habits
There’s an undeniable connection between having a positive relationship with food and body image.
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Regular sleep patterns
Everything flows more smoothly when you have a steady routine.
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Daily activity and exercise
This involves a blend of working out and making certain not be too sedentary for the rest of the day.
Cultivate a fashion “style”
How would you dress is current trends weren’t a factor? The clothes we wear can alter our mood and our body perception. Popular fashion and Instagram models are not the only physical templates. Fashion is an expression of who you are. What makes you feel safe, strong, comfortable, and confident? Body positivity can be an intentional lifestyle choice. Discover the wardrobe that looks best and elevates your self-esteem.
Shift Your Inner Voice From Worst Critic to Best Friend
Your internal monologue is often your worst critic…and your worst enemy. When you are in a state of struggle, be careful to talk to yourself as you would comfort a loved one. You deserve the same level of support. Furthermore, if you hear yourself disparaging someone else’s appearance, notice it and take steps to change it. Body positivity is not a one-way street.
Find a mission
When you live life with purpose, you have less time and energy to focus on trends, inner critics, or body image in general. Giving to others also lifts your emotional quality of life. Find a mission and share the positivity.
Part of Body Positivity is Asking for Help
The cultural odds are stacked against us when it comes to body positivity. This is all the more reason to seek help in this journey. Working with a therapist affords you a safe space to explore your complicated feelings about your appearance. No judgments and plenty of encouragement. You’ll identify ways to silence old stories in your head. In addition, you and your counselor will team up to strategize for a new way of living. Body positivity will open doors to all facets of your life. This transformation can begin with a single phone call.
