Every Body is a Beach Body
“We only get one body, and we get the chance to make it the most comfortable, loved, and capable body possible!”
Have you encountered the phrase 'Every Body is a Beach Body' before? If you're a follower of social media accounts dedicated to women, millennials, or motherhood, it's likely you have.
Body positivity is a concept that traces its roots back to the women’s rights and black civil rights movement of the 1960s. We often hear about it and for good reason. Women, particularly women of colour, still face inequality and marginalization due to the unrealistic beauty standards they are compared to. While increased social awareness has led to more attention and critical thinking on the topic, as a society, we still have a long way to go. For example:
More than ⅓ of adults report feeling anxious or depressed about their body image.
Among teenagers, 37% feel upset about their body image, while 31% feel ashamed of their bodies.
These statistics highlight the very real need to continue the conversation and actively change how we think about, talk about, and engage with our bodies!
You might wonder, how can my choice to wear a bathing suit (or which one) make a difference? It's a valid question. While one person may not single-handedly change the world’s opinion with a stunning bikini, there are numerous small yet impactful actions we can take for ourselves. These actions can have a profound positive effect, not just on our own body image but also on the broader body positivity movement. So this year, as we head into bathing suit season, instead of restrictive dieting, hours at the gym, or some special tea recommended by a Kardashian, perhaps try some of these ideas instead.
Be intentional about your Social Media Usage:
Did you know that 22% of adults and 40% of teenagers reported that images on social media caused them to worry about their bodies and appearance?
If you grew up with Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazine, you know the pressure of trying to look like the models. Today, AI and beauty filters regularly alter people’s appearance instantly! Social media is overrun with advertising and images promoting the (often) unattainable beauty and fitness standards our society has idealized.
So what can we do? Throw our phones off a bridge? Maybe not, but we can be more intentional about our social media use. Here’s how:
Engage Critically: The beauty industry is valued at over $100 billion dollars annually. You can bet your boots that they have figured out how to leverage the popularity of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest to make you feel like their products will hold the key to your happiness! So, when you’re scrolling, think about this:
How do I feel when seeing ads/reels/videos like this?
Why are the ‘beauty standards’ being presented in this way?
Who is profiting from my feelings of inadequacy?
Limit Exposure: Consider using in-app timers to limit the amount of time you spend on social media sites, thus reducing your exposure to unrealistic beauty standards.
Curate Your Feed: Don’t be afraid to unfollow, block, or mute accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. It is YOUR social media, and you get to control (for the most part) what kind of content you engage with! If it makes you feel upset, not good enough, or uncomfortable, IT IS NOT SERVING YOU!
Explore New Interests: Like, comment and subscribe to accounts that promote body positivity, self-love and acceptance. Consider doing so with accounts that have a variety of identities and perspectives; diversify the accounts that you follow. Make positive connections with things that are not directly related to body image/beauty standards… Do you have a hobby, special interest, or community that you want to connect with? Seek them out!
Practice Mindfulness
When you think of mindfulness, does your mind automatically go to yoga? Mine does. ;) It turns out that mindfulness is so much more than a downward dog! Research shows that people who practice mindfulness tend to have:
Greater self-esteem
Less preoccupation with weight and appearance
Less social comparison
Reduced risk of developing disordered eating
Mindfulness is not just clearing your mind. It is actually focusing on something within or around us in a non-judgmental way. When we engage in being in the moment and nonjudgmental acceptance, we can help develop a positive relationship with our bodies and emotions. Here are some ideas for how you can start practicing mindfulness for body acceptance!
Ask yourself questions such as:
What sensations am I experiencing in my body right now?
Am I making comparisons about my body?
What does my body need right now?
If you’d like to explore Mindfulness further, you can check out our other blog posts: “Mastering Mindfulness: Your Key to Stress Relief and Well-being” and “Beginners Meditation - in 7 easy steps.”
Practice Gratitude for Your Body
The road to body positivity can be long and daunting. Sometimes, an easier first step is shifting our focus from how our body looks to what it can do for us. The concept of body neutrality, which has gained popularity in the last decade, focuses on accepting and appreciating the body for what it can do rather than solely on its appearance.
Here are some ideas for how to express gratitude for your body:
Make a list of reasons why you are grateful for your body. Think about the movements and actions your body performs daily and how these abilities improve your life!
Engage in the physical activities you ENJOY and focus on how they make you feel!
Fuel your (brain and) body by drinking lots of water, nourishing yourself with foods that offer both enjoyment and nutrition, and prioritizing sleep.
Like many women, I had some strong feelings about the changes I was noticing in the mirror after having my first baby. A wise friend reminded me that my softer, squishier body had done something miraculous. It had safely created and birthed an entirely new person. While I may never have my ‘pre-baby’ body back, my body has evolved into something more. This simple re-framing of what I viewed as negative allowed me to see these changes differently and more positively.
Seek Professional Support
Unfortunately, body dissatisfaction is a very common problem in our society. Poor body image can have a huge impact on our mental health, and it's important to remember that there is support available.
If you feel inadequacy, shame, or discomfort related to your appearance or body, it may help to work with someone who specializes in these areas. Using a reference tool like Psychology Today can help you find a practitioner who specializes in supporting concerns about body image. Not only can they help you build a more positive relationship with yourself, but they will also help you support the emotions that come along with body image struggles.
We only get one body, and we get the chance to make it the most comfortable, loved, and capable body possible!
Hit the Beach, Babe!
We can’t change society’s beauty standards overnight. However, we do have control over how we let the world around us affect how we feel about ourselves! Life is short, and so are the summers in Canada. Don’t waste them by feeling limited!
Remember to:
Do a social media overhaul, and engage with what brings you more joy!
Be mindful of your body and how you relate to it. Focus on all the incredible and positive parts of how your body looks and feels, and the things your body can do for you!
Wear the bathing suit, and don’t be afraid to splurge on clothes that make you feel great.
Get outside! Host that barbeque. Swim, relax, explore, and enjoy! The more you practice body positivity and body neutrality, the more comfortable it will become.
You deserve to love the body you have because it is wonderful and capable in every season.
If this is an area where you could use more support, connect with us HERE or call us at 587-333-6349. 💙
***This Blog post was researched and conceptualized by Emily Christiansen, with narrative support from Alicia Adams.***
Disclaimer
Our content is for informational and educational purposes and is not a replacement for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you're facing mental health concerns, please seek help from a qualified professional for personalized guidance. Every individual's situation is unique, so use the information here at your discretion. While we strive for accuracy, the field of psychology is ever-evolving, and our content may not always reflect the latest research. Please prioritize your privacy by avoiding sharing personal information in comments or interactions. Your well-being is our top concern, so use our content for educational purposes, but remember to rely on professionals for your specific needs.
References
Aparicio-Martínez, P., Perea-Moreno, A., Redel-Macías, M. D., Pagliari, C., & Vaquero-Abellán, M. (2019). Social Media, Thin-Ideal, Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating Attitudes: An Exploratory analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health/International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(21), 4177. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16214177
Bennett, B. L., Whisenhunt, B. L., Hudson, D. L., Wagner, A. F., Latner, J. D., Stefano, E., & Beauchamp, M. T. (2019). Examining the impact of social media on mood and body dissatisfaction using ecological momentary assessment. Journal of American College Health, 68(5), 502–508. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2019.1583236
Bitesize, B. (2023, March 3). What is the history of body positivity? - BBC Bitesize. BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z2w7dp3
Mental Health Foundation Body image report - Executive Summary. (n.d.). https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/body-image-report-executive-summary
North America Beauty and Personal care Products market Insights. (n.d.). https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/north-america-beauty-and-personal-care-products-market-industry
Pellizzer, M. L., & Wade, T. D. (2023). Developing a definition of body neutrality and strategies for an intervention. Body Image, 46, 434–442.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.07.006
Pidgeon, A. M., & Appleby, L. (2014). Investigating the role of dispositional mindfulness as a protective factor for body image dissatisfaction among women. Current Research in Psychology, 5(2),96–103. https://doi.org/10.3844/crpsp.2014.96.103
