Society has conditioned us to believe that beauty comes in a specific package, size, and shape. But the truth is, beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Learning to love the skin you’re in can be a challenging journey, but it’s a journey that is well worth taking. Being body positive means accepting and loving your body as it is, regardless of its shape, size, or perceived flaws. It’s a process that requires self-reflection, self-love, and self-acceptance. In this blog post, we will provide ten steps to help you become more body positive. From identifying negative self-talk to surrounding yourself with positivity, you’ll learn how to shift your mindset and embrace your body in a way that is healthy and empowering. So, let’s dive in and start the journey toward loving the skin you’re in!
1. Understanding what body positivity is
Body positivity is a concept that has gained much popularity in recent years. Essentially, it’s the belief that all bodies are good bodies, regardless of their size, shape, color, or ability. It’s about learning to love and appreciate your body for what it is, rather than constantly striving to change it to fit into societal norms or beauty standards.
Body positivity is not just about accepting your own body, but also about respecting and celebrating the diversity of all bodies. It’s about recognizing that there is no one “perfect” body type, and that everyone deserves to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
This movement has been incredibly empowering for many people, particularly those who have been marginalized or discriminated against because of their bodies. By embracing body positivity, individuals can overcome negative self-talk, build self-esteem, and find a greater sense of self-worth.
Ultimately, practicing body positivity is about learning to love and care for your body, no matter what it looks like. It’s about shifting the focus from appearance to health and well-being, and finding joy in the unique qualities that make each of us beautiful.
2. Why body positivity is important
Body positivity is the practice of celebrating and accepting your own and others’ bodies for their uniqueness, regardless of societal standards or expectations. It is important for several reasons, the first being that it promotes self-love and self-acceptance, which is essential for mental health and wellbeing. When we focus on the things we love about our bodies instead of the things we don’t like, we begin to feel more confident, happy and content with ourselves.
Body positivity also helps to break down society’s unrealistic beauty standards. For too long, the media has portrayed a narrow definition of beauty that is unattainable for most people. This has resulted in many individuals feeling inadequate and unworthy because they don’t fit into this idealized mold. Body positivity challenges these standards and encourages individuals to embrace their unique features, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
In addition to this, body positivity also promotes a healthier relationship with food and exercise. Instead of viewing food and exercise as a means to an end, body positivity encourages individuals to view them as tools to care for and nourish their bodies. This helps to break down unhealthy diet culture and encourages individuals to adopt a more intuitive and sustainable approach to health and wellness.
Overall, body positivity is important because it promotes self-love and acceptance, challenges unrealistic beauty standards, and encourages a healthier relationship with food and exercise. By embracing body positivity, individuals can improve their mental and physical wellbeing, and learn to love the skin they’re in.
3. Recognizing negative self-talk about your body
Recognizing negative self-talk about your body is a crucial step toward becoming body positive. We all have those inner voices that can be incredibly harsh, critical, and judgmental, but it’s important to learn to recognize them when they pop up.
Negative self-talk can manifest in different ways. It can be a constant stream of thoughts about your physical appearance or a specific part of your body that you dislike. It can also be comparing yourself to others or feeling like you’re not good enough because you don’t fit into a certain beauty standard.
Once you start paying attention to your negative self-talk, try to challenge it. Ask yourself if it’s really true or if you’re being too hard on yourself. Try to reframe your thoughts into something more positive and empowering. For example, instead of saying “I hate my thighs,” try saying “My thighs are strong and help me move around every day.”
Remember that becoming body positive is a journey, and it won’t happen overnight. It’s important to be kind and patient with yourself as you work toward loving the skin you’re in.
4. Unlearning negative beliefs about body size and beauty standards
In today’s society, it’s hard not to be influenced by the media’s portrayal of what’s considered “beautiful.” We’re constantly bombarded with messages that tell us we need to look a certain way to be accepted and valued. This is why it’s essential to unlearn negative beliefs about body size and beauty standards if we want to become body-positive.
One of the first steps towards unlearning negative beliefs is to recognize where they come from. Did someone make a comment about your weight or appearance when you were younger? Did you grow up watching TV shows and movies that only featured thin, conventionally attractive people? Once you’ve identified the source of your negative beliefs, you can start to challenge them.
Start by questioning the beauty standards that have been imposed upon you. Ask yourself, “Why do I believe that being thin is better than being curvy?” or “Who says that wrinkles are unattractive?” It’s important to remember that beauty is subjective and that there is no one “right” way to look.
Another way to unlearn negative beliefs is to surround yourself with body-positive messages. Follow social media accounts that celebrate all body types, read books and articles that promote body positivity, and surround yourself with people who support and uplift you. The more you expose yourself to positive messages, the easier it will be to let go of negative beliefs.
Unlearning negative beliefs about body size and beauty standards takes time, but it’s a crucial step towards becoming body-positive. Remember, your worth is not determined by your appearance, and you deserve to feel confident and beautiful in the skin you’re in.
5. Celebrating your body for what it can do, not just how it looks
One of the most important steps towards becoming body positive is to celebrate your body for what it can do, instead of just how it looks. Our bodies are capable of incredible things, whether it’s running a marathon, lifting heavy weights, or even just walking up a flight of stairs.
Instead of focusing solely on physical appearance, try to focus on the amazing things your body can do. Maybe you can dance for hours on end, or perhaps you have a talent for playing a musical instrument. Whatever it is, take pride in your abilities and appreciate your body for making it all possible.
It’s also important to remember that our bodies are constantly changing and adapting. This means that even if you don’t feel like you’re at your best right now, there’s always room for improvement and growth. Celebrate the small victories and take pride in the progress you make towards your goals.
By celebrating the amazing things your body can do, you’ll start to shift your focus away from physical appearance and towards appreciating your body for what it truly is – an incredible, capable, and unique vessel that deserves to be loved and respected.
6. Surrounding yourself with positivity
Surrounding yourself with positivity can have a tremendous impact on your journey to becoming body positive. That means creating a supportive environment where you can feel loved, accepted, and celebrated just the way you are.
One way to do that is by surrounding yourself with people who uplift and support you. Friends and family members who constantly criticize your appearance or bring you down with their negative comments are not worth your time. Instead, seek out people who love you for who you are and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.
Social media can also play a significant role in your journey to body positivity.
Unfollow accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards or make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, follow accounts that celebrate body diversity and promote self-love.
Another way to surround yourself with positivity is by filling your life with activities that bring you joy and make you feel good about yourself. Whether it’s practicing yoga, dancing, reading, or spending time with loved ones, find things that light up your soul and make you feel alive.
Remember, becoming body positive is a journey, and it’s important to surround yourself with positivity and love along the way.
7. Finding role models who challenge beauty norms
Finding role models who challenge beauty norms can be a great way to start your journey towards becoming body positive. Social media has made it easier than ever to find people who look like you or have a similar body type and who embrace their own unique beauty.
Take some time to follow and engage with people who inspire you and make you feel good about yourself. This could be body-positive activists, plus-size models, or even just everyday people who share their journey towards self-love and acceptance.
It’s important to remember that the beauty industry has long perpetuated narrow and unrealistic beauty standards, often leading to negative body image and self-esteem issues. By following people who challenge these norms, you can start to shift your mindset towards embracing your own unique beauty and appreciating the diversity of all bodies.
You can also look for role models in other areas of life, such as athletes, musicians, actors, or activists who have achieved great things despite not fitting into traditional beauty standards. By focusing on their achievements and talents, you can start to see beyond physical appearance and value yourself for more than just your looks.
8. Practicing self-care and self-love
Practicing self-care and self-love is an essential step towards becoming body positive. It’s important to remember that your body is unique and beautiful in its own way, and taking care of it should be a top priority.
Self-care can involve many different activities that help you feel good about yourself. This can be anything from taking a relaxing bath, practicing yoga or meditation, or going for a walk in nature. The key is to find activities that make you feel good and help you relax.
Self-love is also important in developing a positive body image. This involves treating yourself with kindness, compassion, and respect. It means accepting your flaws and imperfections, and focusing on your strengths and positive qualities.
One way to practice self-love is by speaking to yourself in a positive way. Instead of criticizing yourself, try to focus on positive affirmations and compliments. Another way is to engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself, such as dressing up in clothes that make you feel confident and beautiful, or taking time to do something you enjoy.
Remember, self-care and self-love are not selfish but necessary for our mental and physical well-being. By taking care of ourselves, we are better equipped to handle life’s challenges and become more body positive.
9. Choosing clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable
Choosing clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable is a crucial step in becoming body positive. It’s important to remember that fashion is not just about following trends but also about expressing your personality and individuality.
When you wear clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in, you exude a positive energy that can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Start by identifying your body shape and the styles that flatter it. This could be the fit, color, pattern, or texture that makes you feel good about yourself.
Another important consideration is the fabric of your clothing. Choose breathable and comfortable fabrics that do not cause irritation or discomfort to your skin. It’s also important to wear clothes that fit properly. Clothes that are too tight or too loose can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and colors until you find what works best for you. It’s also important to remember that your body is unique and beautiful, and you should embrace it. When you feel confident and comfortable in your clothes, you’ll be amazed at how this attitude can positively affect your overall well-being.
10. The power of embracing your unique beauty and loving the skin you’re in
The final step toward becoming body positive is all about embracing your unique beauty and loving the skin you’re in. This is perhaps the most important step of all, as it is the foundation for a lifetime of self-love and acceptance.
No two people are exactly alike, and that is what makes us all so special. Instead of focusing on our flaws, we should learn to embrace our unique features and celebrate our individuality. This means learning to love the things that make us different, whether it’s our skin tone, body shape, or other physical characteristics.
It’s not always easy to change the way we think about ourselves, especially if we’ve spent years feeling self-conscious or ashamed of our bodies. But with practice and patience, we can learn to see ourselves in a more positive light.
One way to do this is to focus on the things we like about ourselves, rather than the things we don’t. We can also surround ourselves with positive role models who embody the kind of self-love and acceptance we aspire to.
At the end of the day, becoming body positive is about learning to love ourselves just as we are. When we can embrace our unique beauty and appreciate the skin we’re in, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and experiences. So let’s celebrate our bodies and embrace our true beauty, both inside and out.
Gay in the CLE 