In this age of social media, edited images and stereotypical beauty standards, it is often easy for one to get “influenced” on what an ideal body type and appearance should be. Most people, regardless of age and gender, have at some point of their lives become easily swayed into being critical of others and their own bodies, by judging it against unrealistic beauty standards.

Constant criticism over one’s body, by oneself or by others can have detrimental consequences. People in bodies different to the stereotypical beauty standards are frequently subjected to unsolicited advice and judgmental comments. It can affect one’s mental health, confidence, relationships and employment opportunities, leading to internalized shame, depression, eating disorders, and avoidance of certain activities.

With all the external and internal pressure, it can feel immensely challenging to embrace one’s natural body and be “body positive”.

The body positivity movement initially started to combat discrimination against people in larger bodies, but now also supports all those who may feel different than the stereotypical beauty standards, due to race, gender and disabilities. The body positive movement challenges societal norms and encourages individuals to gain confidence in their bodies and reclaim their worth, regardless of shape, weight or appearance.

It is also important to understand that embracing your size is not about ignoring health, as health is not determined by appearance alone. Mental health, mobility, nutrition, sleep, and stress levels all play a role. When people feel safe and respected in their bodies, they’re more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors.

Steps to improve body acceptance in your life:

1. Curate your environment: Surround yourself with those who accept you for who you are, regardless of your body.

2. Switch off the media: It is important to follow social media accounts that encourage body diversity, and unfollow any accounts that make you feel inadequate.

3. Challenge your negative thoughts: When you catch yourself feeling/thinking or speaking negatively to your body, ask yourself if you would say this to a friend.

4. Speak kindly about bodies – yours and others: Language is powerful and words can be hurtful. Learn to avoid commenting on other people’s bodies and their weight.

5. Wear clothes that you feel good in.

6. Eat intuitively: listen to your body and eat when hungry, but stop when full.

7. Avoid strict diet culture: unrealistic diets that aren’t sustainable or practical will do more harm than good.

8. Do a form of exercise that makes you feel good: be it dance, walking or swimming.

9. Body positivity should be everywhere: From schools, to workplaces, to healthcare settings, inclusive policies and accessible spaces will encourage enviroments of respect and affirmation.

10. Speak to someone: It can sometimes be challenging and overwhelming to embrace your body with all the pressure. Speaking to a mental health professional can help improve your wellbeing.

Ultimately body positivity is recognizing that every person deserves dignity and respect, regardless of size and appearance. If you or someone you know is struggling with body acceptance, please contact the Alokaya Counselling Centre at the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (+94 9895252, No. 37/27, Bullers Lane, Colombo-07).