Love Your Body Week

Body image is all about how we see ourselves and how we think others see us. When someone has a positive body image, they usually feel good and confident about their body. But if someone’s struggling with a negative body image, they might feel awkward, anxious, or ashamed about how they look. It’s also important to keep in mind that we may view our bodies in a distorted or inaccurate way that may not always align with reality.

Here are some signs that someone might be dealing with negative body image:

• They make negative comments about their size, shape, or appearance.
• They weigh themselves a lot and get upset over small changes in weight.
• They’re always focused on how they look or constantly find flaws in their body.
• They tend to cover up their body with loose clothes.
• They avoid social events or activities where they have to show their body (like swimming).
• They’re always trying to lose weight, sometimes by extreme dieting or intense exercise.

Remember, negative body image can affect anyone, no matter who they are or what they look like. It’s important to keep an eye out for these signs and offer support to anyone who might be struggling with it.

Body image concerns often begin at a young age and endure throughout life

By age 6, girls especially, start to express concerns about their own weight or shape and 40-60% of elementary school girls (ages 6-12) are concerned about their weight or about becoming too fat (Smolak, 2011)

Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives (Neumark- Sztainer, 2005)

1. Embrace mindful eating and balanced physical activity as essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Assess eating and exercise routines, aiming for moderation and balance rather than extreme measures.
2. Promote a varied diet with a focus on moderation in food consumption. Enjoy a diverse range of foods without restriction or guilt.
3. Shift away from viewing food as a reward or punishment, as these associations can lead to unhealthy attitudes and behaviors. Instead, foster a positive relationship with food based on nourishment and enjoyment.
4. Challenge the notion that a specific diet or body size equates to happiness and fulfillment. Prioritize overall well-being and self-care over appearance-based goals.
5. Advocate for listening to and respecting internal cues of hunger and fullness, promoting intuitive eating practices that honor the body’s needs.
6. Create an environment that allows for all types of foods to be present and enjoyed without judgment or restriction.
7. Refrain from engaging in negative self-talk about body shape or size, recognizing that self-worth is not determined by appearance. Cultivate self-compassion and appreciation for unique qualities.
8. Cultivate gratitude for the body’s capabilities and functions, shifting the focus from external appearance to internal health and vitality. Express gratitude for the body’s resilience and strength.

Depending on the severity of negative body image experienced by someone, overcoming it can be challenging. Here are ways you can offer support to a friend dealing with negative body image:

1. Be Open and Honest: Express your concerns privately to your friend, using specific examples of behaviors that worry you. Use “I” statements to convey your feelings, such as “I feel sad when I hear you speak critically about yourself and your body.” Allow your friend time to process and respond to these conversations with compassion, and refrain from diagnosing or labeling their experiences.
2. Set a Positive Example: Avoid engaging in negative self-talk and comments about appearance, physical activity, or eating habits. Practicing self-acceptance and self-compassion sets a positive example for your friend and creates a supportive environment for both of you.
3. Build Them Up: Remind your friend that you value them for who they are, not their appearance. Focus compliments on aspects unrelated to their body, such as their personality traits or achievements. Encourage them to see their worth beyond their physical appearance and offer support when they encounter situations that make them feel uncomfortable about their body.
4. Unfollow Negative Accounts on Social Media: Encourage your friend to unfollow accounts on social media that negatively impact their body image or self-esteem. Instead, suggest seeking out accounts that promote body positivity, body neutrality, and self-love, such as those advocating for Health at Every Size (HAES).
5. Be Proactive: If you’re concerned about your friend’s negative body image or harmful behaviors, explore the resources provided below for additional information and support. Taking proactive steps can help your friend feel supported and empowered to address their concerns.

The Body Positive is an organization founded in 1996 by individuals who shared a passion for creating a lively and healing community. Their mission is to offer freedom from suffocating societal messages that perpetuate a struggle with one’s body. Through their courses and resources, they aim to empower individuals to develop a positive relationship with their bodies and overcome negative body image. Additionally, The Body Positive provides support for mental health professionals, recognizing the importance of addressing body image concerns in therapeutic settings.

https://thebodypositive.org/

Boosting Body Image This article presents practical methods to enhance body image effectively. It offers actionable strategies like cultivating self-compassion, emphasizing inner qualities, setting attainable goals, and surrounding oneself with positivity. Moreover, it emphasizes the significance of seeking professional assistance when necessary and provides additional resources for support.

Butterfly Foundation is the national charity for all Australians impacted by eating disorders and body image issues, and for the families, friends and communities who support them. Butterfly changes lives by providing innovative, evidence-based support services, treatment and resources, delivering prevention and early intervention programs and advocating for the needs of our community.

https://butterfly.org.au/

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.

nationaleatingdisorders.org

Walking outside during Love Your Body Week can offer numerous benefits that align with promoting body positivity, confidence, and overall well-being:

1. Connection with Nature: Spending time outdoors allows you to connect with nature, which can have a calming and grounding effect. Being surrounded by greenery and fresh air can help reduce stress and increase feelings of relaxation and contentment.
2. Physical Activity: Walking is a form of physical activity that is accessible to most people and can be tailored to different fitness levels. Engaging in regular exercise like walking helps to boost mood, increase energy levels, and improve overall physical health.
3. Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Walking provides an opportunity for mindfulness and self-reflection. As you walk, you can focus on the present moment, tune into your surroundings, and practice gratitude for your body’s ability to move and explore.
4. Positive Body Image: Engaging in physical activity like walking can contribute to a positive body image by fostering a sense of appreciation for what your body can do, rather than focusing solely on appearance. Embracing movement and recognizing the strength and capabilities of your body can enhance feelings of self-worth and confidence.
5. Stress Reduction: Walking outdoors has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being. Moving your body in a natural setting can help clear your mind, alleviate tension, and promote feelings of inner peace and balance.
6. Social Connection: Walking can also be a social activity, providing opportunities to connect with friends, family, or fellow participants in Love Your Body Week events. Building supportive relationships and sharing positive experiences can further enhance feelings of self-esteem and belonging.

Overall, walking outside during Love Your Body Week offers a holistic approach to nurturing physical and mental health, fostering body positivity, and cultivating a sense of confidence and empowerment.

Challenge yourself to complete the UIC Climate Commitment Scavenger Hunt to learn more about how UIC is working toward achieving its Climate Commitment goals. Sign up for the Greenlights newsletter for ongoing information related to sustainability at UIC.

Body Image: A guide for young people This resource provides targeted coping strategies tailored for young individuals grappling with body image concerns. It offers practical guidance on combating negative thoughts, seeking support from trusted sources, and implementing self-care practices. Furthermore, it delves into dissecting the media’s impact on body image perceptions and underscores the significance of self-acceptance.

YoungMinds is fighting for a world where no young person feels alone with their mental heath. Read their strategy to find out how they plan to ensure all young people can get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/