OPINION
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If you’re struggling with body image, reach out to loved ones. Forming a community of acceptance can be a great way to begin loving yourself as you are. CREDIT: PEXELS
Practice body positivity this summer with positive affirmations, community, and mindfulness You’re allowed to feel confident in your body no matter what it looks like and what your lifestyle is ELENI KOPSAFTIS
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ummer is finally here, which means it's time to show off those summer bods. But what does that ideal swimsuit body look like, you ask? Easy; everybody reading this has already got one! It's a sad fact that we grow up believing in an “ideal” body. If we're not paper-thin or visibly toned, we're led to feel ashamed of our bodies when in reality, there is absolutely nothing wrong with
different shapes and sizes. As a matter of fact, even if everyone in the world had the same diet, lifestyle, and level of ability, there’d still be an abundance of people with different bodies, and those bodies would continue to change over time. Some might argue that weight is an indicator of health, and while that can be a factor in some cases, it doesn't change the fact that you still deserve to wear whatever you want. Your worth as
a person is not tied to your appearance nor your health, and you’re allowed to feel good regardless of how you look or how healthy you are. So whether you're big or small, boney or curvy, athletic or out of shape, don't be ashamed to wear those crop tops and shorts with confidence this season. With all that said, I know that it's hard to internalize self-confidence when it comes to our bodies. So if you want to practice body positivity but aren't sure
where to start, here are a few ideas you can try.
Use positive self-talk Even if we don't say it aloud, thinking negatively about ourselves can increase our feelings of low self-esteem. Therefore, you should start by making changes to the way you think and talk about yourself. For every negative thought you have about your body, tell yourself a positive affirmation. A great way to do this is to say it out loud at least three times, and make the affirmation an opposite to the negative thought. For example, if you thought, ‘I hate the way these pants look on me,’ try saying ‘these pants look good on me.’ Even if you don’t believe it at first, the repetition will eventually make positive self-talk come more naturally to you. If you can’t bring yourself to use affirmations that directly oppose your initial thoughts, try diverting attention away from them by complimenting a different part of your appearance that you
do like. It can be as small as the colour of your eyes, the texture of your hair, the shape of your jaw, or a piece of body art. Better yet, find something different that you appreciate about the part of your body you initially disliked. If you don’t like the way a pair of pants shape your legs, acknowledge the way the colour accentuates your skin tone. By changing the way you think and talk about your body, you’ll eventually form a habit that encourages positivity instead of shame.
Reach out When it comes to bodily insecurities, I can guarantee that you’re not alone.
