We often hear about beauty standards that society sets for us, whether in the media or from those around us. However, it’s time to challenge these standards and start a conversation about body positivity. By embracing diverse beauty and overcoming society’s beauty standards, people can experience a newfound confidence and self-acceptance. From understanding the power of positive thinking to taking the initiative to be an advocate of body positivity, there are lots of things we can all do to help make a change. Through article, let’s explore the concept of body positivity and how we can work together to promote acceptance and appreciation of all body types.
1. Unpacking the Concept of ‘Body Positivity’
Body Positivity is more than just an Instagram hashtag or a movement to appreciate different body types. It is a mindset shift that allows us to challenge societies’ narrow and often harmful standards of beauty. And ultimately, to embrace our bodies and the natural beauty that comes with it.
A Connected Life
Perhaps, body positivity is about connecting more deeply with ourselves and our minds and hearts. It is ultimately about loving our bodies and ourselves, wherever we are in our journey – no matter our shape, size, gender or skin colour. Despite being labelled by society and even ourselves, we are much more complicated than these labels can ever capture.
Focus on What Your Body Can Do
To practice body positivity, we must change our narrative when it comes to our self-talk. Instead of fixating on the negative aspects, we should focus on how our bodies get us through each day or are capable of great things. We should appreciate and celebrate our bodies and the different abilities and unique qualities that it has—and not just in physical form.
Let Go of the Fear
Body positivity is also about accepting whatever emotions arise while we are learning to love our bodies. Let go of fear, anxiety, self-doubt and even disappointment. Know that your body is capable of more than just an unrealistic beauty standard, and start celebrating yourself for that.
- Become attuned to and value your body’s individual needs
- Make a conscious effort to appreciate your body’s abilities
- Let go of the fear and learn to love yourself
2. Embracing Diverse Beauty and Dispelling Beauty Standards
Our society imposes impossible standards of beauty on individuals, drastically limiting the scope of beauty in people’s minds. This harms people by instilling an insecurity in the idea of not fitting into the narrow definition of ‘beauty’.
Breakdown Beauty Boundaries
- Aim to embrace the strengths and beauty of all individuals and reject the existence of a single set of beauty standards.
- Actively make efforts to recognize beauty beyond narrow notions and push for a wider acceptance of diversity.
- Norms must be adjusted in order to celebrate the beauty of diverse bodies, beings, and identities.
Being comfortable with oneself is an essential element of wellbeing and mental health. To foster self-confidence and mental strength, breaking away from society’s notion of beauty is necessary. Communities must come together in order to create a safe space for everyone in which they can feel accepted.
Exercising inclusivity in beauty is one of the most efficient ways to start questioning and eventually removing the invisible limitations placed on beauty in society. Every single person is beautiful, regardless of whether they meet society’s beauty standards. All persons should be able to express themselves freely without fear of judgment.
Educate and Support
- Spread awareness about the effects of beauty standards on individuals and the oppressive culture of body shaming.
- Educate yourself and others on diverse representations of beauty and the importance of inclusion.
- Provide support and understanding to persons with different backgrounds in relation to beauty.
Finally, every person must feel comfortable and confident in themselves. It is everyone’s responsibility to help create a society in which beauty is embraced in every color, shape and form. By recognizing and celebrating the spectrum of beauty, we can allow individuals to accept their unique identities, and foster an equitable and inclusive environment.
3. Taking Steps Toward Self-Acceptance and Loving Your Body
Start by Setting Boundaries
The first step to loving yourself and accepting your body is to learn how to set boundaries. This may sound easier said than done, but it’s the most important part of your journey to self-love. Setting boundaries will help you recognize when others are making inappropriate comments or requests and it will prevent them from having a negative effect on your confidence.
Start Journaling
Regularly writing in a journal can also be a powerful tool in your journey to self-acceptance and self-love. Writing down your feelings, worries, and ideas can help you gain clarity and perspective on the things in your life that are out of your control. It can also be a great way to track your progress and celebrate yourself for taking the steps needed to make positive changes in your life.
Create a Self-Love Toolkit
Creating a “self-love toolkit” is a great way to remind yourself of all the things that make you unique. It can be anything from a mood board full of inspiring quotes and visuals that make you feel empowered, to a box of things that make you feel good – like a favorite snack, a comfy blanket, and a journal. Having this reminder close by can help keep you motivated and focused on your goals.
Be Kind to Yourself
It can be difficult to love yourself when you’re constantly surrounded by social pressures, media images, and society’s expectations. But it’s important to remember to treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Be gentle with your words and forgive yourself for the things you can’t control. Changing the way you think about yourself is an important part of your journey to self-acceptance.
- Remind yourself of your worth
- Practice positive self-talk
- Take time for self-care
- Make time for activities that bring you joy
Taking the time to focus on yourself and accept yourself for who you are is a journey worth taking. It takes practice and consistency to make lasting changes, but with effort and dedication, you can create an environment of self-love and inner-peace.
4. Developing Compassion in Both Worlds: Virtual and Actual Life
Social media and the facilitation of online meetings and conversations have created a bridge between people in their homes and have allowed us to maintain human connections even when physical interaction is impossible. At the same time, the development of compassion is a skill that requires effort in both our virtual and actual life, making it essential that we learn to cultivate and strengthen it.
- In our virtual life, we are expected to treat digital mediums such as our phones, computers, tablets, and other digital devices with respect. We must strive to be aware of our technological capabilities and use them in the context of understanding and communication.
- In our actual life, it is important to make sure that we are not too focused on our own needs or desires, but rather on those of others. Compassion in this context requires us to be patient, listen to others, and take the time to really understand them.
To ensure that our development of compassion is effective, we must find ways to practice it in both our actual and virtual life on a regular basis. Start making it a habit to check in on friends and family online and in person, inquire about their feelings or struggles, and be ready to offer support. Use the available technology to reach out and interact with others, wherever they may be. You may find yourself surprised by how far a virtual “hug” or kind message can reach. Additionally, plan activities that you can do with your friends and family online — watch a show together, share recipes, and create art.
In terms of offering support, use the internet as a resource to find out about people, their stories, and their needs. Understanding the backgrounds of individuals around us can bring us closer to them even if we are not physically close, helping to achieve a compassionate connection.
The power of body positivity is more than just showing off diverse forms of beauty. It’s about recognizing our unique features, building our confidence, and embracing our own beauty—whatever shape or form that may be. Together we can help shatter the beauty standards of the past and empower generation after generation to be comfortable and proud in their own skin.
