Body Neutrality: A Guide to Embracing Your Body As It Is

Body neutrality is a recent concept in body image discourse, and it emphasises the importance of accepting your body as it is, without trying to change it. This idea is a departure from the more commonly known concept of body positivity, which encourages individuals to love and celebrate their bodies, regardless of their size or shape. 

While body positivity is a positive step forward, body neutrality takes it one step further by promoting a healthier and more sustainable relationship with your body. Read this blog to understand why, and how to inculcate body neutrality into your daily life. 

What is body neutrality?

Body neutrality is the practice of accepting your body as it is, without trying to change it or judge it. This means letting go of any negative thoughts or feelings towards your body and focusing on your body's functions and abilities. It is about acknowledging that your body is simply a vessel that allows you to live your life and experience the world around you. 

The goal of body neutrality is not to love your body, but to have a neutral relationship with it. This means not placing your self-worth on your appearance and instead focusing on things that mean more to you, such as your relationships, your passions, and your accomplishments. By adopting a body-neutral mindset, you can free yourself from the constant cycle of self-criticism and judgment, and instead, focus on living your best life. 

Why you should adopt body neutrality

There are several reasons why body neutrality is a very powerful approach to improving your relationship with your body. Here are a few of them:

It is more inclusive

Body positivity often emphasises loving and celebrating your body, regardless of its size or shape. While this message is intended to be empowering, it can actually be exclusionary for those who do not fit the standard of beauty. On the other hand, body neutrality promotes the idea that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their appearance. This approach is more inclusive, as it does not emphasise physical appearance.

It is more sustainable

Body positivity can be difficult to maintain, as it requires individuals to constantly love and celebrate their bodies, even on days when they may not feel good about themselves. Body neutrality, on the other hand, does not place this pressure on individuals. Instead, it encourages them to simply accept their bodies as they are, without trying to change them. This approach is more sustainable, as it does not require constant effort to maintain a positive body image.

It is more realistic

Body positivity often involves trying to love and appreciate every aspect of your body, even those parts that you may not like. This can be difficult to achieve, as it is unrealistic to expect that you will love every aspect of your body all the time. Body neutrality, on the other hand, acknowledges that it is okay to have mixed feelings about your body and that it is normal to have days when you don't feel great about yourself. This approach is more realistic, as it allows for a more nuanced understanding of body image.

It improves mental health 

Adopting body neutrality has been shown to reduce anxiety, lower stress and improve one's mood since it removes certain pressures to look, eat or move in a certain way. 

How to adopt body neutrality

Adopting a body-neutral mindset takes time and effort, but it is possible. Here are a few steps you can take to get started:

Practice self-compassion

Start by treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with self-compassionate ones. Remind yourself that everyone has flaws and imperfections, and that it is okay not to be perfect.

Focus on what your body can do

Instead of focusing on how your body looks, focus on what it can do. Think about the activities and experiences that your body allows you to have and be grateful for its abilities. Whether it's playing a sport, hiking, dancing, or simply getting out of bed in the morning, your body allows you to live your life to the fullest. Celebrate these abilities instead of fixating on your appearance.

Eliminate body talk

Eliminate negative self-talk and body-centred conversations. Instead of criticising yourself when clothes feel tight, focus on finding comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. If friends or loved ones bring up body-related issues, redirect the conversation to focus on feelings rather than appearance.

Practice mindful eating

Choose nutritious foods that nourish your body, and don't deny yourself enjoyable treats. Listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues, and avoid punishing yourself for indulging in snacks or desserts.

Engage in enjoyable physical activities

Choose physical activities that bring you joy, instead of feeling like punishment. If you're feeling drained, allow yourself to rest instead of being hard on yourself.

Reframe negative thoughts

When you catch yourself criticising your body, reframe your thoughts to focus on its strengths and abilities, such as its ability to heal, move, and adapt.

Embrace patience

It takes time to shift from a negative or overly positive mindset to a neutral one. Be patient and understand that it's an ongoing process. With time, you can cultivate a more accepting relationship with your body.

Celebrate your accomplishments, not your appearance

Focus on your accomplishments, not your appearance. Celebrate the things you've achieved, the experiences you've had, and the people you've impacted. These are the things that truly define you, not your appearance.

Adopting a body-neutral mindset takes time and effort, but it is possible with the right tools and support. So embrace your body as it is and celebrate all that it allows you to do and experience in this world.