As the summer season draws nearer and the warm weather encourages us to shed our protective layers of clothes, there is a corresponding uptick in our awareness of our bodies. This awareness often comes in the form of criticism.
The pandemic and corresponding isolation have led to body changes for many of us, often in the form of changes in our weight. As more of us start to return to seeing friends and going into the office there has been an increase in worries about how people will perceive our changed bodies. As we begin to shed masks after years of wearing them there is also increased awareness of our bare faces. The New York Times has posted some interesting articles exploring the impact of shedding masks on how we perceive ourselves and others: Opinion | America, Unmasked - The New York Times (nytimes.com), After Covid, Are You ‘Mask Fishing’? - The New York Times (nytimes.com). In many ways, the pandemic has forced us under cover: masks, zoom background filters, the nice shirt we wear paired with sweatpants for Zoom meetings.
As we start to more fully return to pre-pandemic socializing many people are experiencing the insecurity resulting in being suddenly uncovered. The idea of a “glow-up” has been trending on platforms like YouTube and TikTok and there are any number of avenues to access inspiration for a makeover. For many people the makeover involves panic about weight gain and the frantic resolution to hit the gym and restrict the late afternoon cookie intake.
My challenge to you, is to re-imagine how you set body goals. Shifting out of shame and into celebrating and caring for our bodies can be incredibly impactful. Rather than setting a goal about what you will lose, shift into exploring what you want to gain. How do you want to show up in your relationship with your body. If you want to add movement, find something that feels good. If you want to adjust diet, think about what feels good. If you want to nurture yourself more, think about what you need.
Here are some easy ideas for positively stated goals:
I will add a fruit/veggie to a snack or meal every day.
I will add an afternoon walk so I can feel more at peace and enjoy the nice weather.
I will add more fun pieces to my closet to celebrate and feel confident in my body as it is.
I will add meditation to my day to help me feel more centered and calm.
I will add time with friends to help me feel loved and connected with others.
If you find yourself continuing to struggle with intrusive thoughts, the desire to restrict food, or shame around your body you might also consider adding therapy into your routine. Sometimes the best thing we can do for ourselves is to add a little extra support. If you’d like a consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out!