Body Positivity: Changing How You View Your Body

It’s that time of the year. Warm weather (finally) comes, and we dig out our summer clothes. Shorts, tank tops, and bathing suits make their triumphant return to our seasonal wardrobe, and we are mentally whisked away by the promise of sunny days and friend-filled nights. Life is good.

But then, slowly, inevitably, it happens. We snap back to reality and try on our clothes. The bad thoughts begin to race. We look at ourselves in the mirror and don’t like what we see.

I look fat. I feel fat. I *am* fat.

Although these feelings often fall somewhere between inaccurate and overblown, the rabbit hole is real, and we’ve all gone down it.

While some people look forward to a change in wardrobe, many others approach it with dread and anxiety, fearful and insecure about exposing their bodies for the world to see.

The shelter-in-place has only intensified these feelings. Gyms are closed, and most people simply aren’t moving as much as they usually do. From daily commutes to regular exercise to running errands, your body grows accustomed to a routine. When that routine changes, your body can change, too.

In other words, it’s possible you gained a few pounds. It’s also possible your body doesn’t look or feel exactly the way you want it to.

This is okay! And it’s a perfect example of needing to adjust to certain external factors—like a pandemic—being out of our control. In times like these, we need to put things in perspective and be kind to ourselves. We need to cultivate better, healthier relationships with our bodies. To find ways to appreciate them and love them instead of tearing them down and telling ourselves everything we don’t like and want to change. In short, we need to change our body image and become body positive.

Let me explain…

Your body image is not just what you see in the mirror. It’s also how you feel about what you see in the mirror. Sadly, when most people look at or think about their bodies, they focus on what they don’t like or what they want to change. If that happens to you, try to change your perspective. Instead of focusing on things you don’t like about your body, focus on things you do like.

Your initial reaction might be, “I don’t like anything about my body.” But is that really true? If you stop and think about it, there is most likely at least one thing you like about your body, whether it’s your hair, eyes, or maybe even a freckle.

Body appreciation, it is worth noting, goes beyond appearance. It’s also about what your body allows you to do. Go for walks? Lift your children? Hug your loved ones? Challenge your negative thoughts by focusing on what your body is and can do, not on what it isn’t and can’t do.

This shift in mindset applies to everyone. When discussing body positivity, many people think the conversation is geared towards women. However, many men struggle with body image, too, and it’s just as important for them to form healthy relationships with their bodies.

Ultimately, it’s important to view and treat your body with respect and kindness. If you’re having trouble with that, anxiety therapy can be a great way to not only determine why, but also to help cultivate healthy perspectives and behaviors moving forward.

Enjoy the sun. You’ve earned it!

Dr. Amelia Powelson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and the owner of Perspective Psychology, LLC. She can be reached at 312.588.9672 or amelia@perspectivepsychchicago.com.