Body positivity is a movement and philosophy that encourages people to love their bodies regardless of their size or shape. This can be difficult, especially if you have negative thoughts about your body or feel uncomfortable in your skin.
It became even more of a challenge when you grew up surrounded by people who told you that you had to be thin to be beautiful. The thing is, body positivity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about accepting and embracing your body for who you are — no matter what that looks like.
So how can you start incorporating that philosophy into your life? Here are some tips on how to embrace and practice body positivity:
- Tip #1: Start by accepting that your body is not perfect
- Tip #2: Don’t compare yourself to others
- Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to love your body
- Tip #4: Educate yourself about body positivity
- Tip #5: Make peace with your body
- Tip #6: Don’t be afraid to speak up
- Tip #7: Practice self-care
- Tip #8: Find positive role models
- Tip #9: Don’t be afraid to be yourself
- Tip #10: Be patient with yourself
Tip #1: Start by accepting that your body is not perfect
This doesn’t mean that you’re ugly or undesirable; it just means that your body is unique and different from everyone else’s. Embrace your flaws and differences because they make you who you are. Instead of focusing on the things you don’t like about your body, start paying attention to what you do like.
Tip #2: Don’t compare yourself to others
This is probably one of the hardest things to do, but it’s undeniable the most important. Comparing yourself to other people is a never-ending cycle of self-judgment and unhappiness. It’s natural to compare yourself to other people, but remember that everyone is different. What works for someone else might not work for you, and you must learn that it’s okay.
Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to love your body
This one is a little harder, but it’s so important. If you don’t love your body, how can you expect anyone else to? Start by accepting yourself for who you are, and then show your body some love. Buy yourself some new clothes that make you feel confident and give yourself compliments. If what boosts your confidence is a new plus-size crop top or a pair of high-waisted jeans, go for it!
Tip #4: Educate yourself about body positivity
The more you know about body positivity, the more you can start to implement it into your life. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about body positivity, so it’s essential to do your research. Once you better understand what body positivity is and isn’t, it will be easier for you to start embracing it.
Tip #5: Make peace with your body
This doesn’t mean that you have to love your body unconditionally, but it does mean that you should try to be kind and understanding towards it. If you’re struggling with body positivity, start by making small changes in your thinking and attitude. For instance, instead of telling yourself that you’re “fat” or “ugly,” begin using terms like “curvy” or “unique.”
Tip #6: Don’t be afraid to speak up
Speak up if you see someone (online or in-person) spreading body-negative messages. Tell them that you disagree with what they’re saying and explain why. The more people talk about body positivity, the more others will start to understand it. So, start a conversation and help to change the way society thinks about human bodies.
Tip #7: Practice self-care
This doesn’t just mean taking care of your physical health but also your mental and emotional health. Make time for yourself each day to do something that makes you happy and relaxed. Body positivity is a journey, and it takes time and effort to embrace it fully. But with patience and perseverance, you can learn to love your body no matter what it looks like.
Tip #8: Find positive role models
It can be helpful to have people in your life who embody body positivity. Look for people who have a healthy relationship with their bodies and are comfortable in their own skin. Follow their example and learn from them. Embrace body positivity for yourself, and you will start to feel better about yourself and your body.
Tip #9: Don’t be afraid to be yourself
This is probably the most important thing of all. You must be true to yourself if you want to be happy and confident. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough or that you have to change who you are. You are unique and special, and nobody else like you in the world. Embrace your quirks and be proud of who you are.
Tip #10: Be patient with yourself
Body positivity doesn’t happen overnight, and it takes time and effort to embrace it fully. Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day; you won’t be able to change your thinking and attitude about your body overnight either. But with time and patience, you can learn to love your body the way it is.
Many people are fighting against the body-positive movement, but you shouldn’t let them get you down. Remember that you’re not alone in this, and there are plenty of people who support you. Stay positive and keep working towards body positivity, one step at a time.
