How can I like my body? How should I feed my body? How important is my appearance when feeding or moving my body? In a world where we are surrounded by social media and advertisements, ideas of what we should be putting into our body, how we should move and how we should ultimately look feel unavoidable. That’s because diet culture, or oppressive systems of beliefs surrounding good vs. bad food, and good vs. bad bodies in our society, is all around us and greatly impact our day-to-day. For many, eating can become a battleground—where people are willing to sacrifice their favourite foods and do the things they love just to try to control their desired outcome. It doesn’t need to be this way. Rebecca Scritchfield shares ways to transition your mindset from obsessing over appearance and dieting to starting fresh for your journey of being kind to your body, with her book “Body Kindness”. Here are my main takeaways.
The Connection Between Mental Health and Eating
Why is there a connection between mental health and eating? Often people use food to cope with stress, sadness and even boredom because it makes them feel better but this can easily cause long term health issues.
Self-Compassion Over Self-Criticism
You are free to make your own choices instead of following meaningless rules, you are able to stop overthinking and use your energy for interests not related to appearance and health. As the author of your health and happiness you’re empowered to set meaningful goals even if you aren’t following trends.
Mindful Eating: Listening to Your Body
You do not have to go to extremes, extremes will leave you unhealthy and unhappy. Body Kindness is a self love mindset based in the belief that health begins by being good to yourself. Health grows from love, at the root of Body Kindness is willingness to love yourself even if you wished you looked different.
Building Sustainable Healthy Habits
In order for love to thrive you need to experience an alliance of trust based on connection. The book recommends “spiralling up” means to build happy emotions on top of each other which will grow your happiness state. Practising body kindness will essentially teach you how to include compassion, acceptance, passion, gratitude, empathy and self worth into your daily life.
In conclusion, nurturing your mental health is in deep connection with the practice of being kind to yourself. By offering yourself compassion and understanding, you create a supportive mentality that fosters resilience and well being. Body Kindness not only eliminates stress but also strengthens your ability to cope with challenges, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Embracing this gentle approach to yourself is a powerful step toward achieving lasting mental wellness.
If you are struggling with body image and/or food, don’t hesitate to reach out! One of our therapists can help you! Check out Uprise Psychology & Wellness’ therapists here!
References:
Scritchfield, R. (2016). Body Kindness: Transform Your Health from the Inside Out–and Never Say Diet Again. Workman Publishing Company.
About the Author:
Winnie Normil is a High School student at Immaculata High School. She is completing her COOP placement at Uprise Psychology & Wellness and has an interest in becoming a psychotherapist one day.