Your Guide to Embracing Body Neutrality this Summer
Blog Post By Natasia James
Summer is just around the corner! This season can bring warmth, sunshine, family vacations, and the overall joy of being outdoors. However, for some, summer can also bring increased body image struggles due to wearing less clothing and the media's pressure to attain the perfect “summer body.” These factors can make it challenging for some to fully enjoy and appreciate the season. While achieving a positive body image might be ideal for many, it can feel unattainable for others. That’s why it’s essential to recognize that body image exists on a spectrum. Embracing a more neutral stance towards body image can lead to a more rewarding experience, allowing you to be present in the moment and enjoy the world around you.
Understanding Body Neutrality
Body neutrality is a concept that challenges the traditional narrative around body image- rather than striving for constant positivity, body neutrality encourages individuals to adopt a more balanced and accepting view of their bodies. It's about shifting the focus away from appearance towards what our bodies can do and how they feel. Body neutrality acknowledges that our bodies are simply vessels that carry us through life. It emphasizes acceptance and respect for our bodies, regardless of size, shape, or appearance. Instead of assigning value based on external factors, body neutrality invites us to appreciate our bodies for their functionality and resilience.
Steps to Achieving Body Neutrality
Practice Mindfulness: Take time to tune into your body without judgment. Tap into your senses, and notice how it feels to move, breathe, and exist in your body without attaching any labels or criticisms. Allow your body to receive the pleasures that life can allow (i.e., hugging a loved one, petting your dog, listening to music, etc.).
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When negative thoughts about your body arise, acknowledge them without judgment and then gently redirect your focus to more neutral or positive aspects of yourself.
Shift the Focus: Instead of fixating on appearance, shift your focus to what your body CAN do. Celebrate its strength, flexibility, and resilience, regardless of its size or shape. This can allow us to appreciate what our body can offer us.
Set Boundaries: Limit exposure to media and social media content that perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards. Surround yourself with body-positive influences that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. If you notice that family and friends often perpetuate these stigmas around you, do your best to redirect conversations to something more neutral-or enjoyable-for everyone.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially on challenging days. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend facing similar struggles.
Seek Support: Connect with supportive communities or individuals who share your values and beliefs about body acceptance. Having a network of like-minded individuals can provide validation and encouragement on your journey towards body neutrality.
Embrace the Journey
Achieving body neutrality is not about striving for perfection or erasing all negative thoughts about your body. It's about embracing your body as it is, with all its imperfections and complexities. By shifting the focus away from appearance and towards appreciation and gratitude, you are working towards cultivating a healthier and more balanced relationship with YOU.
Remember, body neutrality is a journey, not a destination. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this path towards greater self-acceptance and liberation. Your body is worthy of love and respect, and you’re allowed to just exist as is!
About Natasia James: Natasia "Tasi" James is a Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia. She received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 at the University of Kentucky.
She has a wide breadth of experience in the mental health field, including experience with both adolescents and adults with eating disorders in the Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient levels of care. Expect Tasi's energy to be upbeat, warm, compassionate, and humorous. Her approach is to create a space for clients to feel comfortable and safe, encourage self-exploration to resolve core issues regarding their disordered eating/negative body image, and help clients to evolve in their authenticity. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces, and access to high quality of care for underserved communities.