Loving the skin you are in is not always the easiest thing to do, it actually might be one of the hardest things you will ever do. However, if you have reached a point in your life where loving yourself the way you deserve has become a priority (good for you!) then you might be confused whether you are more aligned with Body Acceptance or Body Positivity.
If you are new to all of this there may be a number of terms that you don’t understand or completely connect with. What is important to remember is not the title that matters but the ability to love the skin you’re in and know you are more than your appearance. The true win is the ability to start diving deep when it comes to loving your whole self!
Below is a breakdown of both body positivity and body acceptance. Which one resonates with you the most?
Body Positivity This movement is changing lives, helping individuals understand that feeling positive about their bodies stems from accepting their appearance. With this mindset shift, mental health is improved, and a reduced chance of eating disorders. The overall movement is focused on large companies accepting and treating all body types equally.
Body Acceptance
Body acceptance takes a more personal approach, it aligns with body positivity when it comes to accepting yourself. It emphasizes you taking the time to find self-love and care while accepting your body even though you may not be entirely happy with it.
“With body acceptance, you are not always cool with how your body looks but being ok with it. It’s about being accepting of what you see when you look at yourself in the mirror,” says Josephine Atluri Mindfulness & Meditation Coach
Not sure how to start loving yourself inside out? Here are a few tips that can get you started.
Pamper Yourself: You don’t have to overthink this, pampering doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Opt for things that make you feel good about yourself whether it’s a run or a hot bath.
Wear Clothes that Make You Feel Confident: Stop squeezing into items that make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable just because of the size on the label. Instead, opt for items that make you feel like the best version of yourself regardless of the size. You are more than a number!
Switch it up with your appearance: What does this mean? Anything you want it to, it’s your body. From experimenting with new hair colors to trying a new makeup trend, try to have fun with your appearance.
Ask yourself how you already love your body? What changes can you make? This takes time but the benefits are worth it.