What is body positive and its origin

Society tends to catalog bodies and generate beauty standards that, in most cases, we are forced to follow. Being fat or extremely thin, putting on makeup or leaving your skin clean and natural, entering the famous ideal size 90-60-90… Patterns, patterns and more patterns to follow that sometimes make us divert our focus from what really matters: seeing you and feeling good about yourself, with your body, with your skin, with your way of being.

The body positive movement was born precisely as a response to the negative consequences that are generated by not being able to reach the standard of beauty that has been imposed on us.

Body positivity is a social movement that aims to promote acceptance and self-love of one’s body, regardless of its size, shape, or appearance. It encourages people to embrace their bodies as they are, without feeling ashamed or self-conscious.

The body positivity movement recognizes that society has traditionally placed unrealistic beauty standards on individuals, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. It seeks to challenge these norms and create a more inclusive and accepting environment for people of all body types.

Body positivity also recognizes that individuals may face unique challenges due to their body size or shape, and advocates for greater diversity and representation in media, advertising, and fashion. The movement encourages people to prioritize their physical and mental health, rather than striving for an unrealistic ideal.

Overall, body positivity aims to empower individuals to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin, promoting a culture of self-love and acceptance.

The movement originated in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the feminist movement, which aimed to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote body acceptance.

In the 1990s, the term “body positivity” was coined by Connie Sobczak and Elizabeth Scott, the founders of The Body Positive, a non-profit organization that promotes body positivity and self-love. The Body Positive’s mission is to help people of all ages, sizes, and abilities to develop a positive body image and self-esteem, and to recognize their worth beyond physical appearance.

Since then, the body positivity movement has gained traction and become a global phenomenon, with individuals, organizations, and celebrities advocating for body acceptance and inclusivity. The movement has also expanded to include issues such as fatphobia, racism, and ableism, recognizing that body positivity must also address systemic inequalities and discrimination.

How the body positive arises

The body positive movement arose as a response to the unrealistic and often harmful beauty standards that are promoted by society. For decades, the media has portrayed a narrow definition of beauty that often excludes people who do not conform to traditional beauty norms, such as those who are larger-bodied, older, or have visible disabilities or differences.

This narrow definition of beauty has led to a culture of body shaming, where individuals who do not fit these standards are often subjected to negative comments, discrimination, and harassment. This can have serious consequences for their mental health, leading to low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders.

The body positive movement emerged as a way to challenge these harmful beauty standards and promote acceptance and self-love for all bodies. It aims to create a culture where all bodies are valued and celebrated, and where individuals can feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.

The movement has grown in recent years, thanks in part to social media, which has provided a platform for individuals to share their stories and promote body positivity. Celebrities and influencers have also played a role in promoting the movement, by sharing their own struggles with body image and advocating for greater inclusivity and representation in the media. Overall, the body positive movement has provided a powerful message of acceptance and self-love, promoting a more inclusive and diverse society.

The body positive movement today

The body positive movement continues to thrive today, with individuals and organizations around the world advocating for body acceptance and inclusivity. The movement has evolved over time to address issues such as fatphobia, ableism, and racism, recognizing that body positivity must also address systemic inequalities and discrimination.

One of the main ways that the body positive movement is promoted today is through social media. Instagram, in particular, has become a platform for body positive advocates to share their stories and promote self-love and acceptance. Hashtags such as #bodypositive, #bodyacceptance, and #selflove have become popular ways to connect with others who are committed to the movement.

In addition, many brands and companies have recognized the importance of promoting body positivity and inclusivity in their marketing and advertising. They have started featuring models of different sizes, ages, and abilities in their campaigns, recognizing that consumers want to see themselves represented in the media.

However, the body positive movement is not without its challenges. There is still a long way to go in terms of creating a truly inclusive and accepting society, and many individuals continue to face discrimination and harassment based on their bodies. There are also concerns that the movement has been co-opted by brands and influencers who use it as a marketing tactic, rather than a genuine commitment to promoting self-love and acceptance.

Despite these challenges, the body positive movement continues to inspire and empower individuals to love and accept themselves, promoting a more inclusive and diverse society.

Pamper yourself

Taking care of yourself and putting yourself at the center is one of the first principles advocated by the body positive movement. Pampering yourself not only makes you feel better but also allows you to take care of your body. Whether it’s taking a restful nap, spending time on your hobbies, practicing a sport, indulging in a bubble bath, or getting a body treatment, it’s important to give your body and mind the necessary time to start loving yourself and feeling better about yourself.

Don’t praise anyone just for losing weight

The body positive movement emphasizes the importance of loving and accepting yourself as you are. Therefore, it is crucial to refrain from praising someone solely for losing weight. Phrases such as “You look beautiful, have you lost weight?” or “You look fantastic since you lost weight!” may seem like compliments, but they can actually reinforce the person’s insecurities, particularly if they regain weight. Furthermore, why should weight loss still be considered good news or noteworthy?

We need to keep in mind that certain comments, even if well-intentioned, can trigger unexpected reactions in the other person. We also do not know what caused the weight loss, and there can be many negative reasons for it. To promote body positivity, we should shift our focus away from physical appearance and instead celebrate accomplishments that go beyond one’s physical appearance. Let’s praise achievements that are far more meaningful than a mere physical change.

Put health above aesthetics

Prioritizing health over aesthetics should always be your focus. This means that while it’s okay to want to shed a few extra pounds, the motivation behind it should not solely be to improve your appearance. Rather, it should be because excess weight could pose health problems in the long run. Physical fitness can indeed improve your health and make you feel stronger, more confident, and empowered. However, you can only achieve this if you shift your fitness goals away from physical appearance. Instead, take pride in running an extra mile, walking faster, or lifting heavier weights.

Extreme diets are not effective or healthy, and you should not aim to look better just for summer. Your ultimate goal should be to love and accept yourself as you are. With a good diet and regular physical exercise, you will notice a boost in your self-esteem and overall well-being. It’s a winning combination!

Ask yourself what you like most about yourself

Body positivity emphasizes the importance of letting go of your insecurities and focusing on things you like about yourself, what you feel proud of, and what you want to promote. It’s crucial to take some time out of your day to reflect on what you like most about your body and to praise yourself. By doing so, you can approach each day with a smile and remind yourself of how wonderful you truly are. Don’t be afraid to repeat these affirmations to yourself as many times as necessary to build up your self-confidence.

Fix yourself

Taking care of your appearance and feeling good about yourself shouldn’t be limited to special occasions only. It’s important to wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable every day. Strengthen your body and enhance your self-confidence by doing what works best for you. Do you feel more confident without makeup in jeans or do you prefer a dress with a good pair of heels? It’s all about feeling sexy and beautiful for yourself and giving yourself the opportunity to look and feel good at any time, because you are already beautiful just the way you are.

Don’t compare yourself

One of the fundamental principles of body positivity is to avoid comparing yourself to others or to any previous versions of yourself. It’s important to recognize that our bodies naturally change over time, including changes in weight, fat distribution, and muscle tone. However, it’s crucial to understand that these changes do not diminish your worth or value as a person. Instead of focusing on your physical appearance, embrace these changes and remind yourself of your inherent worth and all the values and achievements that make you who you are today.

Stay positive

Staying positive is crucial in the body positive movement. Focus on all the good things you have achieved and remind yourself of your accomplishments. Although life can be challenging at times, it is important to try to find the positive in any situation and use it as a learning opportunity to move forward. Avoid dwelling on the negative or assuming that everything will go wrong, as this can hold you back from progress.

So, what does it mean to be body positive? It means having a positive mindset to improve your mood and attract more positive things into your life. However, on bad days, it is even more essential to take care of yourself and love yourself in all states.

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