Body Positivity: A Journey
Body positivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a deeply personal journey that many of us are on or want to start. It’s about learning to love and appreciate your body, not just for how it looks, but for what it does for you every single day. But let’s be honest—this journey is anything but linear. There are ups and downs, moments of celebration, and days when it feels hard to muster even a shred of confidence. And that’s okay. As a clinical counsellor, I’m here to remind you that it’s normal to experience all of these feelings, and that each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
Understanding Body Image and Body Positivity
Body image is how we see, think about, and feel about our own bodies. It’s shaped by a mix of things—cultural standards, what we see in the media, and personal experiences. When someone struggles with body image, they might feel unhappy with their appearance, zeroing in on what they see as flaws, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression. These negative thoughts can have a significant impact on a person’s overall mental health and quality of life.
Body positivity is about challenging these negative perceptions and embracing your body as it is, regardless of what society says it should look like. It’s about recognizing the value of your body beyond just its appearance—appreciating its strength, its abilities, and its uniqueness. Body positivity doesn’t mean you have to love your body every single day, but it’s about working towards a healthier, more compassionate relationship with it. It’s about being kind to yourself, focusing on what your body can do, and learning to see beauty in its differences.
The Importance of Body Functionality
When we talk about body positivity, it’s essential to shift the focus from appearance to functionality. Your body is an incredible machine that allows you to experience life. It’s the vessel that carries you through each day, enabling you to move, breathe, think, and feel. Instead of fixating on what your body looks like, try to appreciate what it can do.
Your legs carry you on walks with friends, your arms allow you to hug loved ones, your hands help you create and work. By focusing on these functionalities, you can begin to build a more positive relationship with your body. This shift in perspective can be a powerful tool in the journey toward body positivity.
Embracing the Hard Days
No matter how much progress you make, there will be days when you feel less confident about your body. Maybe you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and start to criticize, or perhaps you feel bloated and uncomfortable. These “hard” days are a normal part of the journey, and it’s important to acknowledge them without letting them define you.
On these days, it can be helpful to remind yourself that your worth is not tied to your appearance. Practicing self-compassion is key. Give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling, but try not to dwell in negativity. Remember, these moments are temporary, and they do not erase all the positive work you’ve done.
The Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Body Image
For women, body image can be particularly affected by the natural changes that occur during the menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to bloating, water retention, and changes in weight, which might make you feel less confident. It’s crucial to recognize that these changes are normal and temporary. Your body is simply doing what it’s designed to do.
Understanding how your cycle affects your body and your mood can help you anticipate and navigate these shifts more gracefully. Instead of feeling frustrated or defeated, try to embrace these changes as part of your body’s incredible ability to sustain life. This perspective can be empowering and help you maintain a more positive body image even on challenging days.
Building a Positive Mindset with Mantras
Developing a positive mindset is an essential part of the body positivity journey. One effective way to cultivate this mindset is through the use of positive affirmations or mantras. These are simple, powerful statements that you can repeat to yourself to reinforce a loving, accepting attitude toward your body.
Some examples might include:
“My body is strong, capable, and beautiful.”
“I am grateful for all that my body does for me.”
“I deserve love and respect, exactly as I am.”
By repeating these affirmations regularly, especially on days when you’re feeling less confident, you can start to rewire your thinking and build a more positive relationship with your body.
Practical Ways to Improve Body Image
Improving body image is a process that takes time, but there are practical steps you can take to help along the way:
Curate Your Social Media Feed: Follow accounts that promote body diversity and positivity. Unfollow or mute those that make you feel inadequate.
Engage in Movement You Enjoy: Exercise shouldn’t be about punishment or changing your body. Find activities that you love and that make you feel good, whether it’s dancing, walking, or yoga.
Practice Gratitude: Each day, write down something you’re grateful for about your body. This can help shift your focus from what you don’t like to what you appreciate.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People: Spend time with friends and loved ones who uplift you and who value you for who you are, not what you look like.
Seek Professional Support: If you find that negative body image is affecting your mental health, consider reaching out to a counsellor who can offer guidance and support.
Final thoughts…
The journey toward body positivity is a lifelong process filled with highs and lows. It’s about learning to appreciate your body for all that it does and treating it with the love and respect it deserves. There will be days when it’s hard, and that’s okay. What matters is that you continue to move forward, embracing each part of the journey with kindness and compassion for yourself.
If this article resonates with you and you’re looking to work on your body positivity, I’m here to support you. Together, we can explore your experiences and develop strategies to foster a more positive relationship with your body. Reach out today to book a session and start your journey toward self-love and acceptance.
