During the week of February 21-February 27, 2022, we celebrate National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week). This annual campaign educates the public on the realities of eating disorders, as well as provides support to individuals and families who are struggling with these complex diseases.
This year, NEDAwareness Week is focused on two things: #SeeTheChange and #BeTheChange. This involves celebrating progress made over the last 20 years and fighting against the misconceptions that often delay eating disorder treatment in Princeton NJ. This week is also a great time to promote body positivity for all.
Let’s learn more about body positivity, why it’s important and how to feel better about yourself. This comes just in time for NEDAwareness Week!
What is Body Positivity?
Body positivity is a social movement focused on accepting and appreciating all bodies, regardless of their size, shape, skin tone, gender and physical abilities. The goal of this movement is to promote the acceptance of all bodies and help people build confidence from within.
Practicing body positivity also forces us to challenge how society views the body. Popular media outlets send the message that only certain bodies are desirable, and this has to change. At the very least, people should understand how these messages contribute to their body image and how they can develop more realistic expectations.
Why is body positivity so important? Because those who have poor body image are at a higher risk for depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders.
Ways to Accept and Appreciate Your Body
Research shows that body dissatisfaction is a leading risk factor for the development of an eating disorder. This is why NEDAwareness Week provides resources, education and support for those experiencing body dissatisfaction. Let’s look at some of the ways that you can appreciate your body.
Adopt body neutrality
It’s ok not to love everything about your body. You may even feel neutral or indifferent at times. What you want to do is avoid negative thought patterns that contribute to poor body image. Challenge unhelpful thoughts and focus on the things your body is capable of, such as the ability to walk and talk.
Practice health-focused self-care
Self-care focuses on doing things that make you feel good, such as relaxing with a book or taking a warm bubble bath. To promote good body image, some of your self-care should be health-focused. For example, eat healthy meals, exercise daily and get enough rest at night.
Purge unhealthy social media accounts
At one time, it was magazines and TV shows that could lead to poor body image. Today, these types of influences are everywhere, particularly on social media. Whether they’re influencers, celebrities or acquaintances, purge any social media accounts that make you feel bad about yourself.
Buy and wear clothes you feel good in
Many of us keep clothes that no longer fit because we hope to fit in them ‘some day.’ However, seeing these clothes can make you feel bad about yourself. Either donate or pack these clothes away and purchase outfits that make you look and feel good.
Know When to Start Eating Disorder Treatment
These are just some of the ways that you can encourage more body positivity in your life. If you feel that you’re at risk for an eating disorder, or are struggling with an eating disorder, contact CTRLCare Behavioral Health. We offer personalized eating disorder therapy in Princeton NJ.
