What is body positivity/neutrality?
Body Positivity is having a positive view of your body, regardless of your shape, size, etc. The movement involves loving oneself for what it is and not society’s standard and definition of perfect.
An example of this would be looking in the mirror and telling yourself everything you love about your body.
Another aspect of body positivity is called Body Neutrality although they both being positive about the body it differs from body positivity because it’s not about solely loving your body but accepting it as it is, and not focusing on physical appearance but mostly on the body’s capabilities and non-physical qualities.
Benefits of Body Positivity/Neutrality
Positivity – Helps you brighten up your mood while reducing any negative emotions that you feel, and allows us to love and feel happy regardless of the standards that society has set against our bodies, and the harsh comments and words that we’ve heard from the opinions of outside voices overtime.
Neutrality – Is the best way to go about being positive about your body even when the the feeling isn’t authentic for you and you’re not really in a place to say you love you body or love the way it looks, and instead of only looking at how you look and what you love, You’re looking at it from a different perspective of what your body does for you.
How Can We Practice Body Positivity/Neutrality?
Listed below are some ways they can practice body positivity and neutrality.
When you wake up and get out of bed and you know you love everything about you body and the way that it looks then some body positive practices you can try include:
- Point out the things that you love about your image and say them out loud
For example: “I love my hair and how it represents my roots” or “I love my eyes and how they reflect who I am” or “I love my curves, and the way how it allows me to fill out my outfits”. - Tell yourself positive affirmations throughout the day
For example: “I am thankful for this body” or “My body is a powerful force of strength” or “I love and accept myself as I am”. There’s also an app called ‘I am’ that sends you affirmation quotes that you can say throughout the day. - Don’t let your mind make comparisons to others
There is no perfect body type. Everyone is different and everyone is beautiful in their own way. - Watching videos online and looking at social media content that promotes and and focuses on loving yourself and loving your body
For example: Listening to/watching podcasts, watching Instagram Reels/TikTok videos or reading powerful quotes and poetry.
If you feel that body acceptance best describes how you feel and/or want to start practicing how to love yourself or maybe you just don’t love what you see in the mirror, then some body neutrality practices you can try include:
- Cut out body checking
A great way to become more body neutral is to minimize the amount of times you look at your appearance whether that be in the mirror or a window reflection and not poking or pulling at your body. - Tell yourself affirmations that focus more on how you body helps you and not what it looks like
Say things like “I am beautiful” or “I am grateful for my body” or “I am grateful for my ability to breathe, eat, see, hear, and walk”. - Shut down unnecessary conversations
It is ok to walk away from any discussions such as dietary opinions and anything body related that you feel is coming from a negative point of view. - Revisit your closet
Wear clothes that are comfortable and fit well for you, doing this can help eliminate the constant pulling and readjusting of your outfit to find the “right fit” or how it looks best, but also helps to quiet the background noise of self conscious thoughts
The most important thing to remember is to be patient while you’re on this journey of self care, self love, and/or self acceptance. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight, it’s a process of small steps to achieve the bigger goal. It’s important to be present and intentional with your actions and choices and not let outside views, opinions, and comments distract and push you off your path. The staff at Momslikeme are here to support you and your journey and are waiting for your call. Our Program COACH TO COACH
Email: info@momslikemeinternational.org
Phone: (647) 863-2232
IG: momslikeme
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More helpful resources:
Fuller, K. (2022, June 30). Body positivity vs. body neutrality. Verywell Mind.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/ways-to-practice-body-neutrality
