Body Appreciation
Many of us struggle with our relationship to our bodies. We can often understand that they keep us alive, but it can be hard to fully appreciate and value their uniqueness. Perhaps this is because we are bombarded with societal images and pressures, or perhaps it is because we are living so much in our minds that we may even become disconnected from our bodies. We often don’t recognize the strength, beauty, and power that our body provides. It is literally our life force!
Younger generations are now being faced with social media posts, challenges, and a multitude of celebrity images (influencers) online. Since many teenagers are hooked into their peer groups online and through their smart phones, they are constantly barraged by social pressures and messages about body image. Teens discomfort with their changing bodies can be a natural part of the growth process, but this is often compounded by comparisons among their peers and a desire to fit in and be admired. Teens are constantly searching to find their identities, and body image can influence how they identity themselves within their peer group.
There have always been cultural and societal standards of beauty and body image throughout history. Each generation has been faced with their own messages and standards relative to the time. When I was growing up in the 90s, I remember that being super skinny was praised and adored, but at the same time you could be “skater” or “punk” and wear baggy jeans that hide your body’s appearance. For every cultural “norm” there is a “counter culture.”
These images and messages can lead to issues with self-esteem, poor relationships with our bodies, lack of self-care, and eating disorders. The future looks bleak when we feel the options are to change our bodies or hide away. Eating disorders can also lead to extreme dangers with malnourishment, under-developing body systems (and brains), changes in hormone levels, illness, and even death.
What can we do to prevent these ill effects, and learn to value and appreciate our bodies as they are?
1. Appreciate our bodies through valuing the life force they provide. They literally keep up alive every day, they work automatically to fight off diseases and keep us healthy.
2. Appreciate that our bodies support and nourish our minds. When your body is functioning and running smoothly, it can support your mental health. Your brain stays active and healthier too!
3. Appreciate the strength and stamina your body gives you. We all have our strengths. Even if we consider one part of our body to be “weak” there is another part that makes up for it in strength.
4. Appreciate that our bodies are uniquely beautiful as they are. We all have something that makes our body unique, and we can choose to celebrate and admire that uniqueness. Difference is beautiful.
5. Appreciate everything our bodies do for us each day, from fighting off illness, to providing energy and the strength we need to get through the day.
6. Appreciate our bodies by providing proper nourishment and exercise. Keeping our bodies nourished and active enables them to keep working hard for us for a long time!
Remember to value and appreciate everything our bodies provide. Keep a journal, and write a list of daily gratitudes, write post-it notes on your mirror, keep a “wellness” journal to reflect on the mind and body connection.
