by Michelle Russell for The Burlington Beacon
How do you feel about your body? Considering the beauty and diet industries combined rake in over $100 billion annually, if you’re like most Americans, you likely struggle with some facet of body dissatisfaction.
Our feelings and perceptions about our bodies are our body image. That may be an over-simplified explanation, given that we process our body image in seven areas of the brain. When we don’t feel good about the way we look, we buy beauty products, diet plans, gym memberships, cosmetic procedures, and more in an effort to improve our body image. However, if the way we feel about our bodies is an internal experience, these external fixes will only boost our body image temporarily.
What does true body image healing look like? Consider a body image continuum, where on one end of the continuum is body hatred, and the other end is body love. There are many points along the continuum, including body tolerance, respect, neutrality, acceptance, gratitude, and compassion. Each of these points connects to practices we can try to cultivate a more peaceful relationship with our appearance. We can select a few points on the continuum to create an active practice.
Step one is body tolerance. This may mean sitting in discomfort with something you’ve been avoiding because of how you feel about your body. We often hide, or purchase products to “fix” our perceived flaws. Tolerance means slowly re-engaging with activities, situations, or articles of clothing you’ve been avoiding. It will feel uncomfortable, but we know that growth happens through gently pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone.
Step two is body respect. We don’t take very good care of things we don’t like. Despite how you may feel towards your body, you can actively practice respectfully caring for yourself. Respectful care can include nourishing yourself throughout the day with regular meals and snacks, prioritizing adequate sleep, practicing health hygiene such as brushing your teeth, being active in ways you enjoy, keeping up with regular check-ups, committing to spiritual growth and connection, and more. Body respect builds a solid ground where your body is your partner through life.
Step three is body gratitude. While healing involves seeing ourselves as whole beings, not parts to be scrutinized, practicing body gratitude with your focus on a specific body part can be very effective. Think of a part of your body that you’re often insecure about, and now turn your attention to what that part does for you. Chances are, if that part stopped functioning or disappeared entirely your life would be a lot more challenging. Consider if you dislike how your legs look – though many people who feel this way do have the ability to walk. Not everyone has this ability, and if you are lucky enough to move through the world with relative ease, consider how grateful you can be for your legs. Take a moment to finish this statement, “I’m grateful to my body for _______.”
Regularly practicing these steps can help you cultivate an improved relationship with your body. If your negative body image is disruptive to your life, consider talking with a supportive loved one or a professional trained in assisting people who struggle with body dissatisfaction. A monthly Body Image Support Group is available at Food Freedom Nutrition Therapy, on the first Thursday of the month from 6-7:15 p.m.
Michelle Russell, RD, LD, CEDS, is a dietitian who specializes in supporting people who are looking to improve their relationship with food, exercise, and their bodies. She owns Food Freedom, LLC, a nutrition therapy practice in downtown Burlington. She can be reached by calling 319-208-9038 or email michelle@michellerussellrd.com.