It may be hard to see your own body in a positive light. Living in Miami may especially add to your stress about having the “perfect” body. Not to mention the social media accounts that you follow. You know, the ones that show girls in bikinis, or photo-shopped images of bodies, making you wonder why your body doesn’t look like theirs.
How you view your body directly relates to self-esteem, so it’s no wonder that having a positive relationship with your body is important to your mental health.
What is Body Positivity?
Body positivity isn’t just about viewing your own body in a positive light. Body positivity has become a movement. It is the belief that all people, no matter their body, deserve to have a positive body image. Your body is accepted regardless of how society and popular culture view ideal shape, size, and appearance.
Some of the goals of the body positivity movement include:
- challenging the ways society views the body
- promoting acceptance of all body types
- helping people build confidence in their own bodies
- addressing unrealistic body standards placed on society.
Body positivity can mean a lot of things. But if you break it down, it really means loving and accepting your body regardless of its flaws. Feeling confident in your body and owning all that you have.
What is Body Positivity?
Body positivity isn’t just about viewing your own body in a positive light. Body positivity has become a movement. It is the belief that all people, no matter their body, deserve to have a positive body image. Your body is accepted regardless of how society and popular culture view ideal shape, size, and appearance.
Some of the goals of the body positivity movement include:
- challenging the ways society views the body
- promoting acceptance of all body types
- helping people build confidence in their own bodies
- addressing unrealistic body standards placed on society.
Body positivity can mean a lot of things. But if you break it down, it really means loving and accepting your body regardless of its flaws. Feeling confident in your body and owning all that you have.
How Beauty is Defined
The definition of beauty has changed over time. It is in constant flux. Back in the 19th century, women with fuller bodies were seen as rich and healthy. Other eras, like the 20’s, had Marilyn Monroe (a size 14) and Sophia Loren, who were full-bodied and busty; the ideal standard for women. The 70’s had Twiggy, who embodied the flat chested “twig” of the female body. Fast forward and you have Kim Kardashian as a model standard, who is thin but curvaceous and voluptuous. The ideal body image is constantly changing.
No matter the standard, society tries to obtain unrealistic goals. All body types are different and there is no one size fits all. Some bodies are meant to be a certain way and no matter how hard you try, it may never get to a certain type you want it to be.
Negative Body Messages
If you have a negative body image, you constantly compare yourself to others and unrealistic ideals. This can lead to negative self-talk, low self-esteem, and unhealthy eating habits.You may look at yourself in the mirror and say things like, “If only I lost 10 lbs” or ‘I’d be so happy if my stomach was flat.” Messages like these can truly destroy your self-esteem.
When you compare yourself to others you feel inadequate, ashamed, or embarrassed. Comparing hurts your confidence. It may lead to feel uncomfortable and awkward in your own body.
Begin to challenge images presented in the media, and realize that your worth does not depend on how closely you fit these unrealistic images. When average body shaped women were placed in the magazines, sales went down. Women of average body size are not represented in magazines and rarely in the media.
What Causes Negative Body Image
Past events and circumstances can cause you to have a negative body image. The thing you were told about your image become ingrained in your mind. Things like:
- Being teased or bullied as a child for how you looked
- Being told you’re ugly, too fat, or too thin or having other aspects of your appearance criticized
- Seeing images or messages in the media that make you feel bad about how you look
- Being told you’re underweight, overweight, or obese
Social Media and Body Messages
Body positivity also aims to help people understand how popular media messages contribute to the relationship that people have with their bodies. This includes how they feel about food, exercise, clothing, health, identity, and self-care. By better understanding the effect that such influences have, the hope is that people can develop a healthier and more realistic relationship with their bodies.
Coping Techniques to Improve Your Own Body Positivity
Learning to accept people of all different shapes and sizes is important. Try to find beauty in every body. Create a list of people you admire who don’t fit your ideal “perfect” body. Does their appearance affect how you feel about them?
Techniques to Fight Body Negativity
Change your mentality. Look at what your body does for you rather than what it doesn’t. Do you have two arms and two legs? Is your body able to carry you from place to place? Can it digest your food and fight off illnesses? Is your body strong? Can you get up and dance? Your body is an amazing masterpiece. Women can menstruate, ovulate and create life. And men, we didn’t forget you, you also take part in that whole creating life magic too.
Changing your relationship with food can also help. Dieting can sometimes lead to overeating and exhaustion. It takes the pleasure out of eating. It can also lead to lower self-esteem and energy. Dieting can create mood swings and feelings of hopelessness. Instead work to eat more mindfully. This approach focuses on being present when eating and enjoying what you eat. Food is just food. Remove the labels as “good” or “bad”. See food as something that fuels you, not as your enemy.
Genetics plays a crucial role in your body. Rather than fighting your genetics, know that there are certain things about your body that cannot be changed. What you can change is your beliefs and attitudes towards your body. Change starts with self-respect. You are unique and so is your body.
Techniques to Fight Body Negativity
Change your mentality. Look at what your body does for you rather than what it doesn’t. Do you have two arms and two legs? Is your body able to carry you from place to place? Can it digest your food and fight off illnesses? Is your body strong? Can you get up and dance? Your body is an amazing masterpiece. Women can menstruate, ovulate and create life. And men, we didn’t forget you, you also take part in that whole creating life magic too.
Changing your relationship with food can also help. Dieting can sometimes lead to overeating and exhaustion. It takes the pleasure out of eating. It can also lead to lower self-esteem and energy. Dieting can create mood swings and feelings of hopelessness. Instead work to eat more mindfully. This approach focuses on being present when eating and enjoying what you eat. Food is just food. Remove the labels as “good” or “bad”. See food as something that fuels you, not as your enemy.
Genetics plays a crucial role in your body. Rather than fighting your genetics, know that there are certain things about your body that cannot be changed. What you can change is your beliefs and attitudes towards your body. Change starts with self-respect. You are unique and so is your body.
CBT and Body Positivity
It is important to understand the way in you talk about yourself and your body. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is a therapeutic approach that focuses on your thoughts. If you change your thoughts, you can change the way you feel.
Words like “I am fat” or” I look disgusting” lead to poor self-esteem. What you’re ultimately saying to yourself is that you are not good enough and there is something wrong with you. You then feel shitty and think it’s because of your body. You blame your feelings on your body. But really, it’s what you tell yourself that causes you to feel badly.
Counseling in Ft. Lauderdale
If you are struggling with unwanted thoughts about your body, therapy may be the right route for you. I can help you work to change your negative thoughts about your body and become more confident and assured in your own skin. I can help you deal with all types of anxieties. My office is located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I’m an expert in all things anxiety and self-esteem. Don’t hesitate to call me at Essence of Healing Counseling Services at 954-526-4006. Schedule your first free 20-minute phone consultation or book your first appointment.
You Know That Nagging, Voice of Self-Doubt in Your Head? Tell It to Shut Up.
With therapy for anxiety, self esteem, or migraines, I can help you build an arsenal of tools you can use to achieve the life you deserve. Believe me. You got this!
Therapy & Coaching at Essence of Healing Counseling Services
Roberta Alves is a Therapist and Development Coach at Essence of Healing Counseling, located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She is also a Certified Anxiety Specialist who uses the solution focused and evidence based therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy. Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is proven to be extremely effective in treating anxiety and improving self-esteem. Roberta provides counseling services to her clients who live in Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida areas in her office in downtown. If you want to learn proven techniques to overcome stress, improve your self-esteem, and achieve your goals, call (954) 526-4006 to schedule an appointment today.
