Mens sana in corpore sano a Latin phrase, usually translated as a healthy mind in a healthy body. And in this era of social media, this phrase can be be taken literally when it comes to mental health. Today our mind doesn’t rule our body, it’s the other way round. Our confidence, sense of worth and even happiness is governed by how we look in the mirror. And that is why lot of efforts are being put-forth to shift people from body-shaming to body acceptance.

Two most prevailing efforts towards enhancing body acceptance are body positivity and body neutrality. Let’s understand them both and see how dual approach is the best.

Body Positivity

Body positivity is a concept which emphasises on acceptance of all bodies irrespective of their size, shape, skin tone, gender and disabilities. Here, the focus in to challenge unrealistic beauty standards, to build positive body image and to improve self-confidence. This idea advocates that beauty standards of society should not determine your self-worth. It also addresses the impact of body image on mental and emotional well being of a person. While positive body image boosts self-confidence and esteem, negative body image may lead to depression, low self-esteem and eating disorders.

Though body positivity is a concept that encourages people to embrace their uniqueness, it has invited some criticism too.

Non inclusivity

With most positivity messages focussed around fat bodies; many people don’t feel included in this movement. Majority of times people face trolling for their skin tone, gender preferences and physical disabilities. Also, there are people who often hear mean comments for their scars, acne or short height. Such people feel left out of this movement. Furthermore, most of the positivity messages targets women. Which makes men who are struggling with body image feel excluded too.

All about appearance

Though body positivity promotes love and acceptance towards your body, but it still fixate on appearance. With too much emphasis on looks, it neglects other elements of self-identity. Having a positive body image is a healthier approach but your worth and self-esteem isn’t only governed by how you look. There are many other aspects of you that are unrelated to your physical appearance.

Misinterpretation

This idea of loving yourself the way you are can be misinterpreted. It may lead to normalisation of obesity. People may start to ignore the health risks of being overweight. Likewise, they may indulge in unhealthy habits.

Too much emphasis on individual effort

Another criticism for body positivity is that it is focussed more on individual efforts. It talks less about cultural and social influences and eliminating them. Their are only special occasions like women’s day when we see dark and curvy models featuring an ad. While for rest of the year all ad campaigns are flooded with thin, fair and impossibly attractive bodies. Same goes for movies and social media, where six pack abs are portrayed as ideal body type.

Toxic positivity

Our phone camera apps are loaded with beauty filters. Social media accounts are filled with touched up images. And with so much outside influence, it’s not easy to feel positive about your looks. It’s nothing but yet another demand. It puts an additional pressure on people to feel good about their bodies. A mere repetition of positive messages that you actually don’t believe in doesn’t help, instead it often backfires. And when people fail to think positive, they start to feel shame and guilt.

Body Neutrality

Body neutrality focuses on non-physical characteristics and abilities of your body. It says appreciate your body for what it does and not for how it looks. It’s all about separating your worth from your physical appearance. The emphasises is to focus on physical capabilities. For example, being able to perform your favourite activities or showing your affection through cuddles. Body neutrality is not positive or negative, it’s a neutral feeling.

Benefits of dual approach

Body positivity fosters self love. Adopting body positivity can improve confidence and uplift mood. It brings a healthy impact on your overall mental health. Also, it improves self-care behaviour by inducing healthy habits.

Body neutrality encourages you to appreciate your body for what it does. It removes the pressure to always feel positive about your appearance. You may not love your body everyday and there is nothing wrong with that. Here, the emphasis is on the fact that your body is just a part of you. It doesn’t define who you are.

How to practice body positivity

Focus on your best features

What is it that you love about your appearance? Identify all those features and praise them loud. Notice them every-time you look yourself in mirror. Remind yourself of them everyday.

Wear clothes that flatter you

There are plenty of styles and designs available in the market. Choose the ones which suits you the most. Forget about what’s trending. Instead, wear something that enhances your self confidence.

Compliment others

Be kind to others. Body positivity is not only about you, but it’s also about people around you. So for example, if you happen to like someone’s outfit, don’t hesitate in complimenting them. Also, be generous in your compliments. You never know one compliment can make their day!

Stop comparing

There are certain factors about your appearance that are out of your control, because they are decided by your genes. Therefore, the best approach is to look at yourself as an individual and not having a benchmark set in your mind. Keep working towards a better version of yourself without comparing with any one.

Eat mindfully

Don’t eat to lose weight or waistline. Infact, eat for your better health. Stop looking for calories. Instead, look for nutritional value of what you eat. The food you eat should fuel yourself rather than draining the energy out of you. We all need to eat to keep going, please be mindful of that.

How to practice body neutrality

Be mindful of what your body does for you

Separate your body from how it looks to what it does. Notice the way your body serves you throughout the day. Read more about how a human body functions. It amazing how this miraculous creation works and fights for you.

Listen to your body

There is nothing wrong in pushing yourself, but you must know when to stop. Your body gives you ample of signals. Don’t ignore them. It may land you in trouble. This body of your is doing so much for you. So let’s not punish it for how it looks; instead, let’s appreciate it for what it does.

Stay calm about your physical changes

Your body undergoes lots of changes throughout a lifespan. And these changes are experienced by all ages and genders. From your weight to skin tone, acne to wrinkles; all these changes are inevitable. They simply come with age. Additionally, your body adapts according to your lifestyle. And many a times this lifestyle is the byproduct of your profession. And there is nothing that you can do about it. So it’s better to stay calm and accept the changes which are not in your control.

Pamper yourself

Treat your body with a relaxing bath or an odd time nap. Go for a leisure walk, lay down and relax. Indulge in your favourite activity. And most importantly, thank your body for what it does for you. And reward it!

Be patient

Adopting a neutrality approaches isn’t an overnight job. This shift in your mindset can’t happen suddenly, rather it is a gradual process. So don’t lose your patience and keep working towards this transformation. Always remember, a sudden change is short term. But if you gradually adopt an approach in your life, it is going to stay with you, forever.

Whether you choose a dual approach or either of them, remember to focus on the person you are. Keep reminding yourself that you are much more than your physical self.

"To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." – Buddha.