Why We Should Embrace Body Neutrality Instead

Over the last few years, the body positivity movement has gained traction thanks to social media. It tackled unrealistic beauty standards, especially women shamed for having belly rolls, cellulite, or stretch marks. And while this seemed to be a step in the right direction, it still wasn’t fully able to accept plus-size women.

The Problem with Body Positivity

The phrase body positive has been around since the 1960s but only recently became mainstream after people online shared how they were accepting their bodies, flaws, and all. Despite its good intentions, it still was an unrealistic goal and was rather extreme for the majority who struggle with body image. On days you aren’t happy with the way you look, it’s difficult to get into a self-love mindset.

Why We Should Embrace Body Neutrality Instead
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Why We Should Embrace Body Neutrality Instead

Unlike body positivity, body neutrality focuses less on your physical appearance and emphasizes acknowledging your body’s capabilities. It shifts the conversation from “I love the way my body looks” to “I’m thankful to my body for allowing me to breathe and take up space.” When adopting this kind of mentality, you can go about your day without obsessing over your looks, Psychotherapist Alison Stone explains.

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Ways You Can Practice Body Neutrality

Jameela Jamil and Lizzo are some of the celebrities who have been actively championing the body neutrality movement. The Good Place actress told Glamour in 2019 that she simply doesn’t think about her body, ever. “Imagine just not thinking about your body. You’re not hating it. You’re not loving it. You’re just a floating head. I’m a floating head wandering through the world.”  

Lizzo, on the other hand, shared her self-care routine back in February, which involves standing in front of the mirror and speaking kindly about herself.

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It can be challenging to be body positive when you don’t have the ideal body type, hence why body neutrality appeals better to some. Ultimately, you are your own being, and you shouldn’t let comments about your body affect your worth, particularly from strangers online.

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