With friends and family members announcing their New Year’s resolutions left and right, you might find yourself struggling to feel comfortable in your own skin. This can cause a lot of talk surrounding negative body issues and triggering content that can send you in a downward spiral. At the start of the new year, it’s more essential than ever to practice body positivity if you strive to improve yourself through the time-old New Year’s resolution.
While working to make better choices and setting goals is always a worthy cause, this act of advancement means nothing if it comes from a place of negativity. Pushing yourself to do better should never come from a place of self-hatred; if we have learned anything from our high school English classes, most ventures made out of spite or revenge are destined to fail. Why do we do the same thing to our bodies and expect a different outcome?
In fact, more people than ever are struggling to cope with negative body image. This issue with self-esteem is only perpetuated by the posts we see online through social media. It’s estimated that nearly 60% of people ages 28 through 73 have had their self-esteem impacted in a negative way thanks to various forms of social media.
While it might seem impossible to avoid the pervasiveness of online sites and family members whispering in your ear, there are healthy ways to promote body positivity and meet your resolutions at the same time.
Instead of focusing on what your body should look like, appreciate your body for what it does. Try to filter negative body language out of your personal vocabulary to lead a more healthy, happy life. Remember that you are a complete person with tons of amazing qualities that transcend your physical appearance. The new year should revolve around how you feel, not how you look.
As you search to make improvements in your life in the new year, do so because you’re seeking to improve your own happiness and ambitions. And remember that you’re beautiful inside and out.