The Importance of Body Positivity

The Importance of Body Positivity

Feeling attractive is important to sexual satisfaction, activity and indeed health. The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality.

For most people sex is a highly significant part of their relationship and provides considerable emotional, psychological and physical pleasure. Feeling attractive is an important component in sexual activity. Changes in appearance, especially weight gain can impact on our sexual satisfaction. Research indicates that women who felt self-conscious about their bodies reported that these concerns had a negative impact on their sexual satisfaction, whereas women who felt confident discussed better sexual satisfaction, even in the face of bodily changes.

From our obsession with celebrities to the ever-growing use of pornography (According to the company, 130 million people visit Pornhub every day, “from all parts of the world and representing a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds), it is obvious that our normal perception of body images can become grossly distorted.

Many other factors such as illness, job loss, relationship stress, caring responsibilities, gender roles and cultural expectations etc. can also impact on body image, which can be defined as a person’s perceptions of the esthetics or attractiveness of their own body, and in turn their sexual function and satisfaction.

So we have created a top tips list to increase body positivity because we see it as in integral part not only of sustaining healthy relationships with ourselves and our partners, but to challenge the unrealistic beauty standards that pervade in today’s society.

9 Top Tips to Increase Body Positivity

  1. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Remind yourself that “real beauty” is not only skin-deep. When we feel good about ourselves, we carry ourselves with an air of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes us beautiful. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of body.
  2. Become a critical viewer of social and media images, which are usually airbrushed to within an inch of reality. Stop looking at images, slogans, or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Stop comparing yourself to millionaires who have a team of people who look after their diet, wardrobe, hair and make-up.
  3. Surround yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who feel good about themselves, do not compare themselves with others, who are supportive and recognize the importance of liking yourself for who you are.
  4. Shut down the negative self-talk in your head that tells you your body is not “right” or that life would be better if you just lost weight or looked like XXX. You can change those negative thoughts with positive ones. Think about what you like about yourself and say these things out loud.
  5. Become aware and appreciate all the amazing things that your body can do breathing, walking, running, dancing, laughing, dreaming; our bodies are truly magical structure that holds you as a human being.
  6. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work with your body, not against it. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. Challenge the negative self talk.
  7. Treat yourself kindly- something that lets your body know you love and care for it. Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, or find a peaceful place outside to relax. Make some tea or relax and read a book. Self-care is very important.
  8. Repeat positive phrases to yourself like ‘I am good enough’ ‘breathe out negativity breathe in love’. Don’t forget to reach out to other people who can help you feel better about yourself.
  9. Remember that our bodies are constantly changing, including when we get older. But even with a few more wobbly bits, Sex and intimacy continue to have positive effects on our wellbeing as we age. So talk to your partner about how to keep intimacy alive in a way that is comfortable to you, even if you do nothing but whisper sweet nothings.
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