Embracing Your Body: 3 Tips For Body Positivity
As kids, we are taught to celebrate the things that make us different from one another and embrace the fact that all people are beautiful in their own way, no matter what they look like. But somewhere along the way, that message gets lost, and many adults end up struggling with negative feelings about their appearance. Body positivity is a social movement geared towards learning to accept, respect, and appreciate your body and fight the need to change how you look to live up to the standards you believe society expects of you.
How to Be Body Positive
We all struggle with negative thoughts about our image every now and then, but for some people, these thoughts become all-consuming. It isn’t easy to escape such deep-rooted negative feelings about the way you look, especially if these attitudes are echoed or encouraged by the people around you. For many of us, social media also plays a big role in how we see ourselves. We allow the images other people post on Instagram and Facebook to shape the way we feel about our appearance, no matter how unrealistic and unattainable those standards may be. To adopt a healthier outlook about your appearance, you will need to learn how to turn negative thoughts about your body into a positive body image. The following are three tips for embracing body positivity:
Make a List of Things You Like About Yourself
In some cases, becoming more body positive calls for a simple change in perspective. Instead of dwelling on the things you don’t like about yourself, keep a “top ten” list of things you do like, focusing on all the amazing things that your body can do. For instance, rather than lamenting the fact that you can’t fit into size zero jeans, celebrate the fact that your muscular legs allow you to run, jump and dance with ease. Instead of wishing your abdominal muscles were more toned, remember the moment you delivered your child and how powerful that made you feel. Read your list often and add to it as you come up with more things to appreciate about yourself.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
As we mentioned earlier, it is difficult to accept your body as it is when the people around you are constantly trying to bring you down or make you feel bad about yourself. It is far easier to be body positive when you surround yourself with people who are supportive and appreciate you for the person you are. If you have friends, family members, or coworkers who insist on entertaining negative body thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, consider having a conversation with them about the importance of body positivity in your life, or, if you can, avoid being around them altogether.
Post Positive Affirmations on Your Mirror
In front of the mirror is where most people experience the strongest feelings of body negativity. Instead of avoiding the mirror altogether though, counteract these negative thoughts by posting positive affirmations reminding you of your beauty and worth as a person. Write body-positive messages like “I am enough,” “You are beautiful,” and “Love your body” on some Post-it notes. Stick them to the mirror in your bathroom and bedroom, where you’ll see them every day.
Shop Our Wide Selection of Styles and Sizes at Liam & Co
Liam & Co is a company that believes in honoring the differences in all people and embracing the beauty of women of all sizes. We see practicing body positivity as a way for women to feel empowered and accepting of their natural bodies, regardless of their size, race, or appearance. To shop our collections of quality, versatile clothing, or to learn more about our mission to promote body positivity among women across the country, visit the Liam & Co website today.