Body acceptance is a journey towards self-love and acceptance of one’s physical appearance. For women aged 35-55, this is an age where societal pressure to look a certain way can be overwhelming, leading to self-doubt, body shaming, and negative body image. In this blog post, we will dive into why body acceptance matters, the benefits of embracing it, and practical approaches to achieving it. We hope you find this helpful and empowering.
Why does Body Acceptance Matter?
First and foremost, why does body acceptance matter? When we accept and love our bodies, we enhance our mental and physical health. We become happier, confident, and less prone to anxiety and depression. Moreover, when we accept and honor our bodies, we can foster deeper and authentic relationships. Our sense of self-worth and self-respect improves, and we become more compassionate towards our own selves and others. Therefore, body acceptance matters for our personal and social well-being.
The Benefits of Body Acceptance.
Enjoying Life More.
Now let’s talk about the benefits of embracing body acceptance. Firstly, we free our minds from the torturous mental space of negative self-talk, which can inhibit us from living our fullest life. For example, have you ever been excited to go somewhere only to have that special day ruined by a glimpse in the mirror? Instead of feeling excited about your event, you feel disparaged by your stomach? Now, instead imagine non judgmentally viewing your bulging belly and moving on with the day
Being Healthier
Furthermore, accepting our bodies as they are, also helps us to focus on the things that impact our health like eating healthily, exercising, and getting enough rest, rather than solely trying to attain a specific aesthetic. Paradoxically, sometimes striving for a certain “look” can be damaging to our body. Moreover, body acceptance opens us up to incremental yet consistent progress and joy, rather than spiraling into self-destructive habits caused by social pressure and negative body image. Thus, embracing body acceptance is not only better for our mental state, but for our physical equanimity as well.
Aging and Body Acceptance
As we age, our bodies go through natural changes, such as menopause, which can affect our weight, shape and metabolism. Honoring that we can support our body through this with nourishing food, exercise, and rest. This can help you feel your best, regardless of your size or shape. Self-care is essential for our physical and mental health. Incorporate activities such as yoga, meditation, or reading into your daily routine. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy, such as dance, walking, or swimming. The more you prioritize self-care, the more you will appreciate and love your body as it goes through natural changes.
Steps to Body Acceptance
So, how can we practically work towards body acceptance? Firstly, it entails acknowledging the negative self-talk and consciously deciding to treat ourselves with the same kindness we show our loved ones. For example, the next time you are down on yourself notice “I am feeling bad about my thighs”. You can actually say it outloud. Sometimes, naming it gives it less power.
We can also use empowering words when talking to and about our bodies. For example: “My legs are powerful.” Secondly, focusing on self-care is essential in this journey. This means nurturing ourselves by eating well, moving our bodies in ways that feel good and getting enough rest, rather than solely fixating on our physique. And most importantly, talking to ourselves with kindness and patience, especially when the journey seems longer.
Incorporating body-positive media into our daily routine is also an excellent way to inspire body acceptance. This can include IG accounts, reading books, and listening to podcasts that celebrate different body shapes and sizes. It helps to immerse ourselves in resources that validate our feelings and experiences, reminding us that we are not alone.
Finally, cultivating a community that values and appreciates diversity in body shapes and sizes is crucial in the journey towards body acceptance. It helps to surround ourselves with people who have a positive body image and celebrate the beauty in different body types. This encourages a safe space to express our emotions and create connections with like-minded individuals.
Body acceptance is a journey towards self-love and acceptance of one’s physical appearance. For women aged 35-55, this is an age where societal pressure to look a certain way can be overwhelming, leading to self-doubt, body shaming, and negative body image. Therefore, embracing body acceptance is not only better for our mental state, but for our physical health as well. It entails acknowledging negative self-talk, focusing on self-care, incorporating body-positive media into our daily routine, and cultivating a community that values and appreciates diversity in body shapes and sizes. By embracing body acceptance, women in this bracket can experience greater self-love, confidence, and fulfillment, free from societal pressure and judgment.
Photo by Jade Destiny on Unsplash retrieved 5/10/23
Do you want more self acceptance and self love? Email us today to set up an appointment with one of our expert clinicians.
Sharon P. Fisher is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Nurtured Well, LLC, a boutique women’s mental health practice serving Maryland and Washington D.C. Our passion is helping women like you fnd their self worth.