We often tread a very thin line of accepting our bodies wholeheartedly. Nevertheless, even a line this thin seems to become severed through the constant stream of negative words being projected towards one’s physical body. When unable to break away from this cycle, it seems that even the mental portion of our body begins to accept and internalize these words. Being in this cycle is difficult, but continuing to allow oneself to stay within the bounds will only continue to put our mental health at risk. And so, the question emerges: “How do we all learn to fuel our mental health with positivity to continue to allow our physical bodies to flourish?”.
Before attempting to answer such a difficult question, I want to define and address the harms of negative body image for those who may not be familiar with the term.
What is negative body image and why is it harmful?:
Negative body image occurs when an individual is constantly critical of their appearance, often comparing oneself to unrealistic standards set by society (Stanborough, 2020). Negative body image is not solely an issue that affects young adults, in fact, 40-50% of first graders have reported not being fond of some aspect of their bodies (Stanborough, 2020). This view is often associated with developing a wide range of health complications/ conditions (listed as per Stanborough, 2020) including but not limited to:
Body dysmorphic disorder
Eating disorders (such as anorexia nervosa and/or bulimia nervosa)
Problems maintaining and engaging in meaningful relationships
Mood Disorders
An increased likelihood of self-harm
Thus, it is evident that some individuals may partake in extreme activities to prevent themselves from embracing their bodies. Through the unveiling of this news in society, more social media activists have begun to speak out over the issue. These individuals not only bring awareness to what ‘negative body image’ entails, but they have also begun to break down boundaries and represent all body types.
As such, the question re-emerges:
How do we all learn to fuel our mental health with positivity to continue to allow our physical bodies to flourish?
To help tackle this question, I have attempted to list the following changes I have made in my life to be more comfortable about the idea of MY body.
1) Follow influencers who represent the body positivity movement:
I, like other young adults, am most passionate about this aspect of the body positivity movement. As someone constantly roaming around the features of Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, it is remarkable that all individuals have straightforward access to receiving positive affirmations from the comfort of their own homes. Even though an extensive list can be drawn about these fellow influencers, the individual listed below can become your safe haven towards a journey of befriending your body.
Nabela Noor:
“YOUR BODY IS BEAUTIFUL NOW. You are more than enough NOW. Your body is worth celebrating NOW. “ - Nabela Noor
In a world set with unrealistic standards, Nabela Noor has become a beacon of light for the body positivity movement. Nabela Noor is a strong support system for many young adults, often advocating for women’s rights and the anti-bullying movement. Moreover, she shares her path towards her journey of self-love and becoming a mother. Nabela frequently posts on three main platforms: Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, however, her clothing line Zeba attracts most of her audience.
Zeba was created as a means to show individuals that all bodies deserve the right to be appreciated; disregarding the sizing chart. In other words, Noor awakens a “self-love revolution” through her invention of a new sizing chart. This sizing chart is not built on stimulating shame, but instead one of inspiration. The Zeba size chart will be indicated below:
XS → Passionate
S → Brave
M → Inspiring
L → Fearless
XL → Radiant
2X → Powerful
3X → Loved
4X → Independent
5X → Worthy
This is an image of founder Nabela Noor, surrounded by individuals representing all body types. This picture markets her release of a pink shirt that states ‘Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful’. The shirt was released as a means for women to be educated about Zeba’s novel sizing standards.
Overall, Noor reminds each and everyone that the size on a chart does not define us as individuals. We are “more than a measurement”.
2) Partake in Physical Fitness Therapies:
Fitness is not the ultimate saviour we think of when trying to improve our relationship with our bodies. However, researchers have begun to implore fitness therapies. According to a few researchers, when individuals stop becoming hyper fixated on the appearance of their bodies they are instead able to focus on the intricate ways their bodies can move to help fuel their happiness (Stanborough, 2020).
There are also claims of an increase in the release of the feel-good hormone; endorphins (Stanborough, 2020). Researchers claim that this has the ability to cancel out the negative feelings or the anxiety associated with appearance (Stanborough, 2020).
Hence, exercise – though tedious – is a great way to feel empowered by the way our body has the ability to provide for us, regardless of our appearance.
3) Write Down 10 Things You LOVE About Yourself:
Even though this may seem self-explanatory, this suggestion has the ability to lift up your spirits through the words you choose to define yourself. Through writing things that you love about yourself, you have the ability to pull the reins of your own journey to self-love without external sources. Hence, begin by expressing your best qualities that stray far from appearance-related entities, but begin to hone in on those factors upon regaining confidence. Overall, it is a powerful message: YOU have qualities that are admirable, but YOU need to bring yourself to become aware of what that is.
However, I understand the inner turmoil you may feel when beginning to write down those first few words. In a world where critics believe that feeling a sense of happiness in your skin will only promote unhealthy eating patterns, it seems quite easy to believe that you are not allowed to feel at peace. But time and time again, one message prevails over the rest: Your appearance does not determine the status of your health. Therefore, do not focus solely on taking care of yourself physically but begin to treat your mental state with as much importance. Begin to celebrate the traits you love about yourself with no regrets!
The Message:
Putting ourselves back in a state of tranquillity after feeling so dejected about our appearance is difficult. However, take into consideration that it is not some aspect of your physical entity that you have to change. Instead, join me on my journey as I focus on my mental state and make slow progressive steps to appreciate my body for the life it sustains.
So remember, as Lady Gaga once said:
“You define beauty yourself. Society does not define beauty.”
NEDA Feeding Hope. [n.d.]. 10 Steps to Positive Body Image [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jan 7]. Available from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/ten-steps
Noor N. [n.d]. Our Sizing System [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jan 7]. Available from https://www.wearezeba.co/oursizingsystem
Stanborough RJ. 2020. What to Know About a Negative Body Image and How to Overcome It [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jan 7]. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/negative-body-image#related-issues Image Obtained from: Cosmopolitan Middle East at https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/celebs/23040-beauty-vlogger-nabela-instagram-bo y-positivity-fashion