The holiday season brings a certain kind of magic, with its festive gatherings and heartfelt traditions. Yet, amidst the sparkle, it can also amplify concerns about body image. Let’s navigate this together, with kindness and understanding.
The Holiday Body Image Conundrum
During the holidays, we often find ourselves in a whirlwind of social events that may lead us to focus more on our appearance. From choosing outfits for Christmas parties to hearing comments about food that carry a sting of shame, these situations can challenge our relationship with our bodies.
Three Compassionate Strategies for Body Positivity
1. Somatic Awareness: Tuning into Your Body’s Signals
Start by becoming aware of the physical sensations in your body. These cues can tell us much about our emotional state. Are you tensing up when you try on a festive outfit, or do you feel a knot in your stomach when food becomes the center of conversation? By tuning into these signals, we can begin to understand and address the needs underneath the feelings..
2. Identifying Your Body’s Needs
Ask yourself, what does my body need right now? It could be as simple as a moment of rest, a meal or snack, or a glass of water. Perhaps it’s a need for movement, to release pent-up energy, or time to simply be, without the pressure of to-do lists. When we honor our body’s needs, we take a powerful step towards self-care and body acceptance.
3. Fostering Respect for Your Body’s Journey
Depending on where you are in your journey with your body, your focus will differ. For some, it may be about moving from a place of disliking to one of respect. For others, it’s about appreciating the function of their body rather than fixating on aesthetics. And if you’re further along, it might be about celebrating what you love about your body. Wherever you are is perfectly okay. The goal is to practice one skill that supports a healthier body image.
Support and Solidarity in Your Journey
The holidays can indeed be challenging when you’re working on nurturing a positive relationship with your body. But remember, you are not alone. At Anchored Counseling Company, we are here to support you, cheering you on every step of the way.
In The End: Your Body, Your Celebration
As we embrace the holiday season, let’s make it a time of celebration for our bodies too. Let’s celebrate their strength, their resilience, and the journey they’ve carried us through. This holiday, may you wrap yourself in the warmth of acceptance and the joy of being truly present in your body. To dig a little deeper, “The Wisdom of Your Body” by Hillary McBride is a wonderful resource and a good read for the holiday break.
Anchored in hope,
Laura
Affirmation of the Day:
“My worth is independent of my appearance; I embrace the festivities with confidence and self-love.”
Laura is deeply committed to supporting individuals on their journey to eating disorder recovery and has created a team of phenomenal therapists to do just that. At Anchored Counseling Company, you will find helping professionals who provide a nurturing atmosphere grounded in trust and acceptance while promoting body trust through a Health at Every Size (HAES) philosophy and a trauma-informed approach. Everyone at Anchoring Counseling Co. firmly believes in the inherent value of all bodies and offers a warm and compassionate therapeutic style. Their approach is centered around the idea that clients have the innate capacity to bring about lasting positive changes in their lives. To start working with someone, call our office today at 615.510.3797 or click here.
