Body positivity is a social movement that encourages people to have a healthy body image. This can be achieved by showing love, respect, appreciation, and acceptance to our bodies as well as the bodies of others.The movement sets forth the notion that beauty is a construct of society, and poses that this construct should not infringe upon one’s ability to feel confidence or self-worth. A person who has a healthy body image is confident in their skin.
They’re not waiting to feel their absolute best at a specific goal weight because their self-worth and confidence is not attached to their body mass. The body positivity movement does not condone fat shaming or skinny shaming.
It only seeks to teach that all body sizes and types are beautiful; that we each have the power to make decisions about own bodies.
How to have a healthy body image
There are no secret formulas that can turn you into a body positive ninja overnight. But there are two important things that can get you there: self- acceptance and self-love.
Your body is the only “house” you get to “live in” for the rest of your life. It’s in your best interest to treat it with care, respect, and love. A person with a healthy body image knows they’re not perfect but when they look into the mirror, they’re happy with what they see.
The way to have a healthy body image is to:
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
- Stop obsessing about your weight.
- Focus on what you have and not what you wish you had.
- Change what you can and accept what you can’t.
- Let your fashion choices reflect who you are.
- Start seeing yourself as a strong, unique individual.
- Make decisions about your body that will make you happy.
- Understand that there’s more to you than your appearance.
- Practise self-love, self-care, and self-acceptance.
- Focus on what’s within—take care of your heart, mind, spirit, and soul.
How to feel comfortable in your skin
The first step to feeling comfortable in your skin is to take care of yourself. Although it’s simple and straightforward, it can be quite challenging.
To take care of oneself means to be proactive and take responsibility for one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Physical health
- Sleep well
- eat healthier
- drink lots of water
- workout at least once a week
- get regular check-ups
- and eat fruits and vegetables.
Mental & emotional health
- Surround yourself with people who care and support you.
- Stay away from negativity and toxic relationships.
- Focus on your blessings and show gratitude.
- Find what you love and give it your all.
- Get moving to improve mood and lessen anxiety.
Spiritual health
- Meditate, do yoga and feel connected to nature.
- Look for deeper meanings in everyday experiences.
- Find your purpose.
- Travel, explore, and seek adventures.
- Improve your prayer life and dive into your religion.
- Renew your mind and have faith.
