Toby Knapp

Toby Knapp

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#WELLNESS: How to handle POST-PANDEMIC BODY ANXIETY... which is a thing!

This one comes to us from The Conversation...

Feeling a little anxious about how your body has changed over the last year or so? You’re not alone. A survey of 3-thousand adults in the U.S. finds that 61% experienced “undesired weight changes” since the start of the pandemic. Gyms were closed, lots of us turned to food to cope with our stress and now that we’re able to socialize again, we’re down on ourselves because our appearance has changed.

Psychologist Tracy Tylka has studied body image for more than 20 years and she recommends these healthy ways to manage body anxiety and encourage a positive body image.

Focus on what you appreciate about your body - Instead of criticizing what you don’t like, embrace all the amazing things your body does for you. It’s different for everyone, but could be as simple as your arms allow you to hug your dogs and your legs allow you to take them for walks.

Engage with others who accept and appreciate all bodies - Spend time with people who don’t talk negatively about their bodies or anyone else’s because positive body image increases when we engage with folks who are body accepting.

Practice self-compassion - Tylka stresses that it’s important to be kind to yourself and your body and she advises being as kind to yourself as you would to a loved one going through a tough situation.

Engage in mindful movement - Be active in ways that make you happy and leave you feeling rejuvenated. Yoga has been shown to promote positive body image, but if that’s not your thing, find other ways to get moving that you enjoy and try not to focus on how you look while moving.

Interact with nature - Research has found that spending time in nature comes with all kinds of health benefits, including boosting positive body image.

Remember, it is what it is. Love yourself for you... for right now... and stay focused on the person you want to become... you'll get there. It ain't easy, trust me, but we will get there. It's a journey...


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