Change your perspective: how do you actually talk to your body?

When you idealise the human body and compare it with other bodies, you often fall into a trap: you want it not to stand in the way of your plans or hold you back – yet in the end you simply humiliate yourself over your appearance or your abilities, instead of encouraging yourself to accept who you are or to look for solutions that make you happy. 

Sound familiar? It's something entirely commonplace, especially for those of us who have experienced abuse, bullying, stigma and shame – and if you think about menstruation alone, examples spring to mind quickly.

Today, though, we'd like to help you shift your perspective and see your body in a new light. How? Read on and discover our tips!

What does body shaming mean?

You've probably come across the term 'body shaming'. It's a phenomenon most of us are likely to have experienced at least once in our lives, and it involves bullying someone because of the way they look. 

Since it's about mocking and humiliating someone for their appearance and abilities, body shaming takes the form of insults, criticism and put-downs aimed at people who, in the eyes of those doing the insulting, are too fat or too thin, too short or too tall, have a disability, have freckles – and the list could go on with countless other reasons. 

This phenomenon causes abuse and harm to those affected. There is, however, another form of 'body shaming' that we perhaps overlook all too often: self-loathing, or ignoring your own body and your own physical and mental health. That too is a form of abuse – it's just normalised and goes unnoticed. 

Why don't we love our bodies?

Both the consequences of abuse from others and the consequences of not accepting your own body can lead to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and many other mental health problems. Just think about it: every time you changed your mind and didn't put on that bikini by the pool, every time you hid behind baggy clothes or went to the gym excessively to achieve a certain figure, every time you didn't feel pretty enough – that's when you devalued your own body and exposed it to shame. And that's exactly what shouldn't happen!

How to treat yourself more lovingly

Perhaps the simplest and most direct piece of advice is this: recognise your body for what it is – you.

Without your body, you couldn't exist. Your body, in turn, has lived through countless changes, challenges and difficulties over time – and still keeps you alive. And even though you're not just a body: it's your body that allows you to be you. Once you've recognised how important your body is, don't stop there! There are various ways you can show it that you love and support it. Here are just a few ideas!

• Celebrate differences

Wouldn't it be a bit boring if everyone looked the same? The world is all the more beautiful for being diverse. After all, you travel to different places to discover other cultures and see landscapes you don't yet know – so why would you accept a single 'beauty ideal'? It's about not comparing yourself to others, but enjoying everything that makes you unique – and precisely not 'standard'!

• Treasure what makes you different

The dimple in your cheek, the scar from when you were twelve, that mole? Yes, they belong to you alone. They're unique features that are part of your body and your appearance. Anyone who makes you – directly or indirectly – feel ashamed or bad about your body's distinctive features is really practising 'body shaming'. Don't be that person yourself!

• Change your perspective

There are plenty of moments and situations in which – if you're mindful and present – you can easily shift your perspective. When you say, 'Am I going to have these period pains my whole life?!', what you're really saying is that your own body is an obstacle working against you. Which is absurd! Change your perspective and ask yourself: 'What can I do for myself today so that I feel good? What will help with the cramps?' (PS: if you haven't yet discovered period patches, now's the time.)

Another situation ripe for a change of perspective: when you walk down the street – do you secretly think other people are 'ugly', 'too thin' or 'too fat'? No, you don't. So why do it to yourself? Look at yourself from the outside: how can you despise body shaming and apply it to yourself at the same time? Something to think about...

Use make-up to show yourself off – not to hide

To wear make-up or not? A complex topic, because there are as many opinions as there are preferences! But the only opinion that counts is yours. Do you enjoy wearing make-up? Does it make you feel good? Is it a form of art for you? Then use it and have fun with it! And if it feels like an obligation and you feel you have to hide your face, then try to let go of everything that makes you ashamed of your body! It's about doing what feels good for YOU – and not for anyone else. 

Put the focus on health

Accepting yourself as you are doesn't mean you can't improve anything – especially when it comes to your health! There's nothing wrong with wanting a stronger, healthier body, a lifestyle with a balanced diet, enough sleep, exercise and so on. And if you haven't yet tried ORGANIC period products made from 100% organic cotton – tampons, pads and panty liners – then do your menstrual and reproductive health a favour! Eco-friendly periods? Yes, they exist! We've written a whole article about it!

Decide for yourself what you see on social media

Because sometimes social media can subtly reinforce body shame and harm your mental health. Only follow the accounts that make you feel good in your body – not the ones that make you feel you ought to be someone else or somehow different. Discover body positivity!

And finally: take good care of yourself – of you, of your body, of your soul and of nature.