The body positivity movement is a wonderful thing that is happening to the world. We’re getting to the point where it’s not only okay to enter into that healthy space of loving your bad self, but encouraged. And, it is so long overdue.
Despite this massive movement, there’s also a lot of pushback. We’re still seeing retouched models. Except, instead of just plastering magazines, they’re now all over our social feeds. We’re still getting those delightful and exceptional troll comments like “Why can’t they just take care of themselves?” and “This image isn’t healthy”.
And, while many big companies have made the move this year to (finally) include plus size, many are bemoaning that certain models and people are “too” plus size to be acceptable.
Long-story-short, we got work to do and lots of it.
Best place to start: You! It’s also the most fun place to start because once you get to a body confident place, you world cracks wide open with infinite possibilities. And, what’s even better: You don’t have to change a thing about your appearance to get there. You are great, right now, today, as you are.
I’m going to walk you through how to really love your body the way it deserves to be loved and hand you helpful, actionable tips along the way.
Find people who look like you.
Our world is oversaturated with images of tall, thin women. I want you to know that it’s perfectly okay if that’s you and that’s your body type. No shade whatsoever; you’re amazing.
However, for the rest of us, we don’t quite fit the bill. In that case, we can often feel like society outcasts and like we’re “too ugly” to fit in with rest. It’s unfortunate that so many of us struggle with this insecurity because it’s a feeling that was deliberately manufactured and created by a society meant to make women feel small.
You’re allowed to take up space in whatever way that looks like for you. Maybe you got hips. Maybe you got a loud laugh. Maybe you got big ideas. Maybe you’re checking every single box. Whatever it is, go you.
Now it’s more important than ever to surround yourself with people who look like you. This isn’t to keep you in some metaphorical box. In fact, it’s meant to free you from your mind and that “I need to look like this ideal, perfected person” trap we get into.
By surrounding yourself with people and images that look like you, you can realize a really fantastic truth: You’re totally normal! Don’t get me wrong: you’re unique as an individual, but you and your body are also totally normal.
Here are some fast tips:
- Follow people on Instagram who are your size. Instagram is a great place for body positivity these days. You can find a style and fashion blogger in almost every size. More often than not, they’ll tell you what size they are in their bio or Instagram highlights so you don’t have to guess. Follow those people, see how they dress, and experiment with style.
- Work towards loving the parts of yourself that you feel insecure about by showing it off. I haven’t worn shorts since I was a kid. I was always told that my legs were too fat, too white, or had too much cellulite. Well, I decided to finally buy myself a pair of jean shorts I love because summer in Arizona in pants is just plain ridiculous. And guess what? People did not faint and scream in shock and horror when they saw my legs in shorts. Probably because they are just legs. We blow up our little insecurities way too big. I believe you’ll find that if you show off your legs or arms or stomach or whatever it is more often, that insecurity will drift off.
- Buy clothes that fit and make you feel good. We get stuck on the size of our clothes way too often. Who cares if you used to wear a size 4 in high school and now you’re a size 14? Your body changes over the years. You’ve lived more life now. You deserve to feel amazing in your clothes. While clothes shopping can be a pain for those of us with curves, it’s so worth it when we find that golden item that fits perfectly.
Focus on overall health. For real.
Before we go grabbing pitchforks, this is not a “please workout because maybe you’ll become a different size” or “I’m worried about your health” BS.
I’ve been the same weight for the last 5 years, sans minor fluctuations here and there. I’m also not considered super thin or the “ideal” body type. I’m a US size 8-10. I got fluff. My stomach isn’t flat and my chins (yup, plural) can do some, um, interesting things if I God forbid open my phone camera when I’m looking down at it. But, I’ve also never felt better health-wise. My bloodwork for the last year has come back perfectly across the board for the first time ever in my life.
What does it look like to focus on your overall health? It means eat well and exercise. Yawn, boring, we’ve all heard it a million times before. I know. But, it’s the only thing that works when it comes to feeling like you have energy and life in you. It doesn’t have anything to do with your size.
Here are some fast tips:
- Commit to working out. You don’t have to go wild (unless you want to). No one is going to ball and chain you to a treadmill. But, there’s a lot of emotional, mental, and physical well-being that comes with adding some movement everyday. A little 15-minute walk. A restorative yoga class. Even weight-lifting a couple times a week. Good stuff.
- Feed yourself things from the Earth. I’ll make this simple: If you can’t find it in nature, don’t go for it first. Now, I’m not saying nix it. Hello, chocolate doesn’t grow on trees. But, treating your body with kindness means feeding it really good food (not just wilted and sad little salads). By fruit and veg that’s in season and snack on them. Carry a little pouch of nuts or grains in your purse for whenever you’re starving. Go for the protein and, then, have the chips if you’re still hungry. Your body deserves good food.
- Get your bloodwork done. My bloodwork was my biggest indicator of what was going on internally. Trust me, you want to do this sooner rather than later. A whole host of health issues can crop up for people (any size, race, or gender) if you’re not paying attention. My bloodwork was showing that I was anemic for years until I ditched my vegetarian diet and ate chicken three times a week. My blood sugar levels weren’t looking too hot until I switched my morning cereal for a protein smoothie or eggs. The fix is usually so simple, if you need one, and you feel loads better after, even it’s just peace of mind that you’re doing okay.
Remind yourself about what your body can do, not just what it looks like.
It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics. Even if you feel like you avoid the mirror like the plague, you probably still know what you look day-to-day from checking your makeup in the car mirror to catching yourself in a shop window.
We really know our body from the outside. But, unless we’ve taken a class or two in physiology, we don’t know much about our bodies on an internal level. That internal level is where all the magic happens.
Even if you’re not a science nerd like I am, you can still take a moment everyday to remind yourself what your amazing body is doing second by second without you ever having to think about it.
You’re breathing. Your heart is beating for you. You’re able read this right now. Think about everything your body does for you that you’re thankful for: if you can walk, if you have full mobility, if you have sight, if you can hear, if you can digest your own food. All of these things are what makes your body amazing. None of them have to do with whether or not your dry shampoo is actually working today.
Pretty is not the price you need to pay to exist in this world. Even though you’re beautiful, you do not owe anyone your beauty as a ticket to respect. And, even on your days where you wake up feeling lack a gremlin dug up from a sewer, you are more gorgeous than you ever give yourself credit for. So, give yourself that credit.
Here are some fast tips:
- Name something you love about your body that has nothing to do with aesthetics. I’m sure you’ve heard of listing out your favorite physical qualities to help with some body love. While that’s a great exercise, I’d also like you to try a different one: What do you love about your body that doesn’t have to do with outward appearance? What are feeling grateful for that your body did today?
- Stretch. A good, long stretch is sometimes the best thing you can do to bring yourself back to reality, especially when you’re feeling negative about your body. Before stretching a muscle group, focus on flexing that muscle as hard as you can for 30 seconds. Release and stretch. Absolutely magic.
- Practice your posture. This may seem unrelated, but stick with me. When you are actively aware of your posture, you’re also more aware of your body. Becoming aware of what you’re feeling throughout your body is key to appreciating it for the wonder it is. When you straighten you posture, take note of where you’re feeling tension, pain, and any other sensations. Focus on breathing into those areas.
If you got value from this article, remember to share it with someone who could use it, too!
I really need to improve my posture, as it often feels like I sit with one shoulder higher than the other 😟 And I’ve noticed that when I do walk or sit with a straight back, I feel more confident and determined!