All You Need to Know

• Why are bodies on social media so unrealistic?

  If you think of everyone's social media feed as a highlight reel, you'll notice that they tend to share just their good bits. As a generation, you've been bombarded with images of people who've been tweaked and edited online with filters, and in real life by cosmetic procedures. With the introduction of AI imagery, it's difficult to know what is real anymore!

  If you've ever compared yourself to an influencer or celebrity and felt low, it's not your fault, just remember, it's not real! It's easy for young people not to realise how unrealistic social media can be and feel low about their own body image in comparison.

  However, with the rise of body positivity, we are beginning to see more real body types, genders, skin colours and physical abilities represented in the media, which is filtering out to shops, organisations and on your social media feeds. Hurrah!

  Find advice for feeling ok as you are

• How can I change my relationship with social media?

  Social media can be a tricky beast for young people because it has amazing positives, like keeping in touch with people and knowing what's going on in the world. But it can also cause you to compare your life to other people's highlights.

  It's always good to be aware of the effect it has over you. If you notice you are feeling low, or uncomfortable with social media, or if you start to compare yourself to unrealistic bodies, it might be worth having a social media break or changing up your feed for some more positive role models. 
  
  Some tips on how to change your relationship with social media include:

  • Taking a break or limiting your time online - This will help you to get outside and see actual real bodies and help you make healthy connections in the real world. 
  • Switch off - You don't have to be available 24/7 so it can help by switching to silent mode, do not disturb, or switching off notifications so you can be less distracted and more in the moment. 
  • Clean up your feed - If someone or something isn't making you feel good, then unfollow. It's your feed and will be better for your mental health if it's full of things that make you feel good. 
  • Celebrate diversity - Keep an eye out for the people and organisations that celebrate different body shapes, physical abilities and skin colours. 

  Find out more about the benefits of a social media detox

  Find 5 ways to do a social media detox here

• What is self care and what can it do for me?

  It's important to give yourself some time and space to avoid feeling physically or emotionally drained. Self care is a way to recharge your batteries and it's something we all should get into the habit of adding to our diaries regularly!

  Ways to take care of yourself could be:

  • Being Kind - Giving yourself a break is one of the most important tips. Don't feel guilty or selfish for looking after yourself. Your mental and physical health should always come first. 
  • Exercise - Keeping moving is a great stress reliever, giving you a rush of endorphins, which are happy chemicals to keep your body and mind on top form. 
  • Getting outside - Even a 10 minute walk around a park can help your body and mind to relax and reset. 
  • Resting up - There's no shame in staying in your PJs for some of the day, turning off your notifications and watching some telly to get you to slow the pace. 
  • Eating well - While junk food can feel easier, it's important to fuel yourself with nutrients to keep your body working well. There's nothing wrong with treats, as long as they aren't at the expense of the good stuff! 
  • Having a hobby - whether it's a sport or a creative activity can help you to relax, meet people and have fun. 
  • Saying no - don't be afraid to put in some boundaries and stick to them. If you feel like you are stretching yourself too far, you can say no to events, jobs or people if you think it's too much. 

• How can I celebrate diverse bodies?

  There has been a recent shift in how bodies are being displayed across media and in society, which has led to more representation of body shapes, sizes, genders and race. This can only be a good thing as young people see more realistic bodies and are able to identify with real people. 

  To help celebrate this diversity you can:

  • Shop with companies who spend their marketing budgets representing a diverse range of bodies. 
  • Avoid filters and photo editing when posting on social media. 
  • Learn more about bodies from different periods of history, or different cultures to your own. You could visit museums, galleries or look online. 
  • Volunteer at organisations working towards diversity and inclusion of marginalised groups (this means groups that you don't often see represented in society).

   

• What can I do to boost my body positivity?

  It can be difficult to remain positive at all times, and sometimes we need a little boost to remember why we should appreciate our bodies just as we are.

  Here are some activities you can try to give yourself some self-love:

  • Positive affirmations - One of the best ways to appreciate yourself is to practice self-love by speaking it out loud.  This could be a positive thing you say to yourself in the morning, or writing it on a sticky note for later in the day. Try it to see how it makes you feel. 
  • Think healthier - Healthy isn't a size, it's a lifestyle, so when you are making meals, or exercising don't link your body to numbers on a scale. Try to reframe your mind to think about how you feel, and what your body can do instead. 
  • Surround yourself with positivity - This means cutting out negativity from social media, advertising or even negative people in your life. By cutting out some of the negativity, you'll feel lighter. 
  • Don't compare - Diversity is all about people being unashamedly themselves, so focus on your favourite bits of yourself, rather than other people. 
  • Self-care - Do something nice for yourself to relax and de-stress and be kind to your body. You can't be there for other people if you don't show up for yourself. 

  Find out more about body kindness here