[Article updated on 19/09/2023]
June 21 sounds the death knell for Spring to declare the Summer season open.
The summer season means that our body and our skin will be more exposed to the gaze of others.
Lighter outfits, head to the beach or pool as soon as possible to cool off. For many of you, these summer months can be very difficult to manage.
Body shame, self-shame, disenchantment with your shape and fear of how others look at you.
This is why I would like to give you the keys to a positive body image in order to better understand the months to come.
Before reading on
I’m not an expert in this field, but I am passionate about nutrition and health.
The articles you’ll find on my site are the result of in-depth research that I’d like to share with you. However, I would like to stress that I am not a health professional and that my advice should in no way replace that of a qualified physician. I’m here to guide you, but it’s important that you consult a professional for specific questions or medical concerns. Your well-being is important. So be sure to consult the appropriate experts and take the best possible care of yourself.
What is positive body image?
It’s a concept that emphasizes acceptance and appreciation of one’s own body, regardless of its appearance or size. It’s about developing a healthy relationship with your body and cultivating a caring attitude towards yourself. Positive body image is based on the idea that all bodies are beautiful and should be respected.
The key principles of positive body image, the benefits it can bring to your well-being
Positive body image is often associated with a body-loving mentality. This means recognizing and appreciating the unique characteristics of one’s body, whether it is its shape, size, color or any other physical aspect.
I suggest a first exercise:
Could you start by thinking about this information about yourself?
Can you list them and write them down on a sheet?
Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, positive body image encourages taking a more holistic perspective, valuing health, strength, and overall well-being over superficial beauty standards.
An important aspect of positive body image is freeing yourself from constant comparisons with others. Each individual has a different and unique body constitution. Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and inferiority. Instead, it’s best to focus on the positive aspects of your own body and recognize personal progress and accomplishments, whatever they may be.
Society plays a major role in shaping our body image. Media, advertising and prevailing beauty standards can create unrealistic expectations and lead to low self-esteem. Promoting a positive body image involves challenging these norms, diversifying body representations in the media and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Second exercise:
Unsubscribe from all accounts on social networks that advocate thinness, standardized beauty, diets, etc.
You will see how much good it will do you not to have to deal with it on a daily basis.
Cultivating a positive body image can help improve your physical and mental well-being. When we feel good about our bodies, we are more likely to take care of ourselves in healthy ways.
There are many benefits to cultivating a positive body image. First, it allows us to focus on what our body can do rather than how it looks. Instead of fixating only on perceived flaws, we can appreciate our bodies for their strength, mobility, and ability to allow us to live our lives. This promotes a more positive attitude and a better relationship with our body.
How to cultivate a positive body image in 8 points
- It is important to remember that your worth as an individual does not depend on your physical appearance. We are much more than our body, and we all have qualities, skills and talents that make us unique and valuable. By focusing on these positive aspects of ourselves, we can overcome our self-esteem and self-confidence.
- It is essential to practice self-compassion. We must be kind and caring to ourselves, just as we would be to a dear friend. This means treating our bodies with respect, taking care of our health, and avoiding self-deprecation.
- Be aware of your thoughts and words : become aware of your negative thoughts about your body and try to replace them with positive thoughts. Avoid criticizing your appearance and replace comments with compliments and positive affirmations.
- Celebrate your achievements and qualities : Focus on the positive aspects of yourself that are not related to your physical appearance. It could be your skills, your talents, your personality or your achievements. Take the time to congratulate yourself on your accomplishments and remember that your worth is about more than just your outward appearance.
- Surround yourself with positive people : Avoid people who criticize your appearance or who reinforce unrealistic beauty standards. Surround yourself with caring, positive people who engage you and encourage you to feel good about yourself.
- Take care of your body holistically : Lead a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and making sure you’re getting enough. Take care of your body by hydrating it, giving it appropriate care and allowing yourself moments of relaxation.
- Make peace with your past : If you have had traumatic experiences or times where you were judged for your appearance, it may be beneficial to work through these emotions and seek ways to heal. Therapy or support from a healthcare professional can be helpful in this process.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others : each body is unique and there is no point in constantly comparing yourself to other people. Focus on your own journey of development and personal growth.
I would like to conclude by reminding you that beauty lies in diversity and self-acceptance. Cultivating a positive body image is a personal journey, but it’s worth investing the time and effort into developing a healthy, loving relationship with your body.