Although I had my son quite young, I didn’t have that “snap back” that we hear being talked about so much. In fact, 17 years later, I still have a few areas that need some attention!
But, if there’s one thing that made a huge difference in the way I view myself, it was learning to LOVE my body, even if I didn’t necessarily like every inch of it.
Of course, that’s just my story, but millions of women around the world struggle to have their desired bodies for a myriad of reasons, including health and genetics.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to cultivate self-love, embrace the skin we’re in, and give a collective middle finger to the unrealistic beauty standards and airbrushed images we’re brainwashed to aspire to!
To help you with that, I’ve compiled a list of 50 empowering body positive affirmations to help you boost your confidence and celebrate your unique beauty.
What’s The Link Between Body Positivity & The Media?
Body positivity and the media have a complex and deeply interconnected relationship.
The media has traditionally been a significant force in shaping societal standards of beauty, often promoting narrow and unrealistic ideals.😒
MORE POSTS YOU’LL LOVE:
- 50 Divine Feminine Energy Quotes From Remarkable Women
- These Are The 5 Most Powerful Manifestation Methods According To TikTok
- 30 Positive Body Image Journal Prompts To Spark Self-Discovery and Confidence
Here’s How The Media Influences Body Image
- Promotion of Unrealistic Standards: For a VERY long time, the media has propagated images of slim, toned bodies as the ideal standard of beauty. This constant exposure can negatively impact individuals’ body image, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Studies have shown that media representations can contribute to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. For example, research conducted in Fiji found that the introduction of Western television led to the first reported cases of eating disorders on the island, highlighting the media’s powerful influence on body image.
- Photoshopping and Airbrushing: You can’t always trust what you see! Media images are often heavily edited to remove imperfections and create an unattainable standard of beauty. Seeing these seemingly ‘perfect’, airbrushed photos can make people feel insecure about their own bodies. A study published by York University’s Faculty of Health found that “young women who took a social media break for as little as one week had a significant boost in self-esteem and body image”.
Body Positivity Movement’s Role in Media
- Challenging Beauty Standards: The body positivity movement advocates for diverse and realistic representations of bodies in the media. This includes featuring people of various sizes, shapes, ethnicities, and abilities. By showcasing a wider range of bodies, the movement aims to normalise diversity and reduce the stigma associated with body differences.
- Inclusive Campaigns: Many brands and media outlets are responding to the body positivity movement by creating more inclusive campaigns. For instance, Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign features women of different body types and ages, promoting the message that all bodies are beautiful.
- Social Media Activism: Social media platforms have become a powerful tool for the body positivity movement. Activists and influencers use these platforms to share unedited photos, personal stories, and messages of self-love and acceptance. This grassroots approach helps to amplify diverse voices and create a supportive community for those struggling with body image issues.
Through this effort, traditional beauty standards are being questioned, and a new narrative is being crafted where every body type is being valued and appreciated.
So, How Can Body Positive Affirmations Help Me?
According to a study, affirmations have been shown to improve a positive self-view, decrease stress, increase well-being, and make people more open to behaviour change.
When the topic of the affirmations relates to body image, it can become a powerful tool for improving how you feel about yourself and your body.
Here’s how they can help:
1. Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence
Repeating positive affirmations can help rewire your brain to focus on your strengths and positive attributes rather than perceived flaws.
This shift in focus can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence and counteract the negative self-talk that often accompanies poor body image.
2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Affirmations can also help reduce stress and anxiety related to body image. By focusing on positive statements about your body, you can diminish the impact of negative thoughts that cause stress.
3. Encouraging Healthy Behaviours
When you feel good about your body, you’re more likely to engage in healthy behaviours, such as exercising and eating well, because you’re motivated by self-care rather than self-criticism. Positive affirmations can reinforce the idea that you deserve to take care of yourself, leading to healthier lifestyle choices.
4. Building Resilience Against Negative Influences
In a world where media and societal pressures often perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards, affirmations can serve as a buffer against these negative influences.
How To Practice Body Positive Affirmations:
- Choose Affirmations That Resonate With You: Select or create affirmations that genuinely reflect your values and goals.
- Repeat Daily: Consistency is key. Repeat your affirmations daily, preferably in front of a mirror, to reinforce the positive messages.
- Write Them Down: Writing your affirmations in a journal can further solidify the positive messages and serve as a daily reminder of your commitment to self-love.
- Integrate Them Into Your Routine: Incorporate affirmations into your daily routine, such as during your morning skincare routine or before going to bed.
50 Body Positive Affirmations
1. My body is worthy of love and respect exactly as it is.
2. I am grateful for all the amazing things my body allows me to do.
3. Every part of me is beautiful and deserves appreciation.
4. I embrace my imperfections as unique aspects of who I am.
5. I choose to focus on what my body can do, rather than how it looks.
6. I release all negative thoughts about my body and replace them with love.
7. My body is my home, and I treat it with kindness and care.
8. I celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of all bodies, including my own.
9. I am confident in my own skin and radiate self-assurance.
10. I nourish my body with healthy choices and enjoy indulgences in moderation.
11. My worth is not determined by my appearance; I am inherently valuable.
12. I appreciate the strength and resilience of my body.
13. I honour my body’s need for rest and relaxation.
14. I am at peace with my body’s natural shape and size.
15. My body is a masterpiece, worthy of admiration and love.
16. I release comparison and embrace my own journey to self-love.
17. I am proud of my body’s unique quirks and features.
18. I choose clothes that make me feel comfortable and confident.
19. My body is a vessel for love, joy, and fulfilment.
20. I am deserving of love and acceptance exactly as I am.
21. I trust my body’s signals and treat it with compassion.
22. I refuse to let society’s standards dictate how I feel about my body.
23. I am grateful for my body’s ability to heal and regenerate.
24. I am more than my physical appearance; I am a whole person.
25. My body deserves care and appreciation, no matter its shape or size.
26. I speak to myself with kindness and encouragement.
27. I am empowered to define beauty on my own terms.
28. I am grateful for the unique characteristics that make me who I am.
29. I release the need for perfection and embrace my authentic self.
30. I radiate confidence from within, regardless of external judgments.
31. I honour my body’s need for movement and exercise.
32. I am comfortable and confident in my own skin.
33. My body is a temple, and I treat it with reverence and respect.
34. I am deserving of love and admiration, just as I am.
35. I am more than my physical appearance; I am a radiant soul.
36. I am grateful for the wisdom and intuition my body provides.
37. I appreciate the journey my body has taken me on and look forward to its future adventures.
38. I celebrate the unique qualities that make me who I am.
39. I am grateful for the support and strength my body provides me every day.
40. I choose to focus on inner beauty and cultivate self-love.
41. My worth is inherent and not dependent on external validation.
42. I am proud of my body’s resilience and ability to adapt.
43. I embrace my body’s natural rhythms and cycles.
44. I am deserving of love and respect, regardless of my appearance.
45. I treat my body with kindness and compassion in all situations.
46. I am worthy of feeling confident and comfortable in my own skin.
47. I am grateful for the unique gifts my body brings to the world.
48. I release all negative judgments about my body and replace them with love.
49. I honour my body’s need for nourishment and rest.
50. I am grateful for the miracle that is my body, exactly as it is.
FAQs
Q. Are body positive affirmations effective?
Yes, body positive affirmations can be effective for many people in improving body image and self-esteem. Research suggests that practising positive self-talk and affirmations can lead to greater self-compassion and reduced body dissatisfaction over time.
Q. What if I don’t believe the affirmations I’m saying?
Totally normal! It can take some time to feel the full effect of affirmations, especially if you’re used to being hard on yourself. Start with ones that feel authentic, and as you build confidence, you can amp it up with more empowering statements.
Q. Can body positive affirmations help with body dysmorphia?
Body positive affirmations can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms of body dysmorphia, they’re like a gentle reminder that you’re more than your perceived flaws, BUT they are not a substitute for professional treatment. If you struggle with body dysmorphia or other mental health concerns, it’s important to reach out to a qualified therapist or mental health professional who can provide personalised treatment and guidance!
Q. What if I don’t see immediate results from practicing body positive affirmations?
That’s ok! The progress can take time, and results may not be immediate. Be patient and consistent with your practice, and remember that building a positive body image is a journey. Celebrate the small victories along the way and trust that with continued effort, you can cultivate a more loving and accepting relationship with your body.
