3 ways to embrace body positivity and self acceptance
If you’ve ever believed that you or your body aren’t good enough in any way then rest assured you are not alone. Remember it’s a multi billion dollar industry constantly at work in our magazines, websites and social media feeds depending on these beliefs that we need to be any different to who we already are.
Apparently we all need to be younger looking, thinner, taller, have flatter tummies, thinner thighs, bigger breasts, the right skin tone as well as hair colour & thickness in just the right places - the list continues.
Given the world we live in and the way our brains work, it would be a miracle if women DIDN’T feel inadequate. Men too actually but that’s a story for another day because this matters for our sons just as much as for our daughters.
I’ve worked with thousands of patients and clients over the years and the majority feel a deep sense of frustration, anger or disappointment that their body has somehow let them down. Having a sense of pride and positivity about our dear bodies is far from easy given the world we live in and the expectations upon us all.
I’m still learning every single day and no doubt could write a 100 point process to enhance the way we see, think and feel about our bodies! I usually find 3 points is plenty to focus on so for now now here are 3 tips I advocate for most impact for either our own healing, or to set our children up to feel positive about their wonderful bodies:
Find something active you love to do.
Movement in the body is like music to the ears. It’s essential - not only to keep us strong and physically healthy, but because movement shifts stuck emotions, as well as releasing a whole host of hormones to simply have us FEEL good.
It was thanks to my Mum that I enjoyed active hobbies from a young age. It started with ballet at the tender age of 4. My wonderful first teacher sadly left and when a drill sergeant type replaced her, I refused to go. Mum was quick to find me a gymnastics club and that became my thing. Gym club was a huge part of my life well into my teens by which time I’d developed body confidence, a love of most sports and would give anything a go, traits that have continued into adult life. The things I love change with the seasons and my hormones! I currently love wild water swimming, yoga and hiking. I adapt with my bodies needs - whilst I like running, currently it’s not always my body’s favourite, so I just do less of it and more walking and intervals. No marathons are required! Unless that is your thing :)
My kids tried ALL the things from ballet and ski-ing to taekwando and hip hop before they settled on football and horse riding. I’m thankful that they’re still passionate about their chosen activities even as teenagers and believe their sports have played a fundamental role in their education.
Understand how the body works enough to genuinely appreciate just how incredible you are!
I remember the first time my daughter announced she was fat around aged 10. I took a deep breath before replying because it honestly took me a back. Where had she heard this? I knew it wasn’t from in the home, it could have been from a whole host of places. I decided to meet her where she was at with it so instead of dismissing it with the classic “of course you aren’t fat darling”, I instead asked which bit did she mean. She pinched her thigh and grabbed the extra soft tissue surrounding the muscle. I explained how her legs were getting a little bigger because they needed to be strong for the horse riding she was doing and that the extra soft tissue was totally normal, otherwise she’d fall likely fall off her horse! I asked her if that made sense and we left it at that, no drama & she hasn’t mentioned it since.
I understand that whilst the workings of the human body is my chosen profession, not everyone wants or needs to learn the ins and outs of hormones, psychology and muscle function! The most important part I think is that I’m genuinely still in awe about how we work and I hope some of this filters through to my patients, clients, students and teens.
Mind your beliefs, thoughts and language
Lastly, though most importantly of all, pay close attention to your thoughts and what stumbles out of your mouth in relation to your body! Though this is easier said than done for sure.
I can honestly say I mostly love my body, despite it being far from perfect! My son kindly pointed out my belly bulge infront of his sister when he was about 8 and she 6. Another moment for a deep breath - it’s a sensitive topic for most mothers, whose tummy is never quite the same. I explained that it had to stretch a fair bit to fit him in there and how amazing it was and it reminds me of them both.
The thing is someone, somewhere, will likely remark something insulting about your body. How you react to it is your choice.
If we’re deeply triggered, then what flows out at such moments will likely not be pretty. I find I wince when I hear women complain that they’re fat, stupid or they hate their body in front of children, especially their own daughters. Words and beliefs REALLY matter. Noticing this and healing it so it doesn’t continue to be a ‘thing’ is deeply therapeutic not only to you, but to all those you influence.
Sally Dibden is a Physiotherapist, Health and Performance coach and the creator of HER™, an online coaching experience designed to support driven women to enjoy fabulous energy and hormone harmony. Sally specialises in helping high achievers to heal and optimise their body, mind and life, so they can Thrive more consistently at work, home and play.
DISCLAIMER: Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. This blog is intended for educational purposes only. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sally Dibden is a Health, Life and Performance Coach to driven achievers around the globe. She is the founder of The Wellbeing Consultants™ and HER Space™, a community dedicated to women’s health and performance. She also runs her Physiotherapy and Yogalates Clinic in France where she lives with her family. Sally specialises in supporting and empowering dynamic leaders to optimise their energy, health, hormones and performance. Her ethos being that optimal success and happiness in whatever leadership role - whether that be as a entreprenneur, busy professional or executive, teacher or parent, comes from optimal holistic health. Sally has worked with thousands of patients and clients over her 25 year career and understands the tendency of high achievers to stretch themselves. She helps her clients reach their potential with balance not burnout, enabling them to enjoy and sustain their ambitious goals with hormone, body, mind and life balance.