What is Body Neutrality?

Body positivity is currently all the rage on social media: being confident and loving your body regardless of shape and size. This is wonderful and I praise everyone who is body positive because I struggle to be no matter how hard I try. I believe for many others this is also not a rational option. Insert: Body Neutrality. 

Body neutrality focuses on what your body can do right now and the functions it performs, rather than focusing on physical appearance. It allows people to observe their body and its abilities without judgment or forced positivity. Body neutrality is strictly about accepting your body as it is not what society says it should be. Many people connect their body and physical appearance with their self-worth, it doesn’t need to be that way. As we all know beauty is not the only trait that makes us worthy of love, respect, or value. 

When using body neutrality, you can recognize all the other amazing traits that make you wonderful instead of focusing on physical appearance alone. Instead of promoting body positivity which can be difficult, body neutrality is about minimizing body negativity and staying neutral towards our bodies. Our bodies help us live and accomplish all our day-to-day tasks. This approach also has individuals focus on being in-tune with their bodies and knowing what they need. Giving your body rest when you need it, putting good things into your body, like enough water and good food, and getting good things out of it, like energy. Instead of worrying about what others think of you, or focusing on flaws, you can value your body for what it does and recognize each body’s unique abilities. 

So, what are some ways to practice body neutrality? Get rid of body talk when talking with others and yourself. For example, if you put on jeans that are a little too tight instead of saying something negative to yourself, grab a pair of pants that are comfortable instead. When others bring up weight, size or talk negatively about themselves, change the subject. Talking about how people feel rather than how they look is a good start. It’s great to eat healthy, but body neutrality is also about giving your body things it enjoys and not depriving yourself of things. Exercise? Do things that are fun and enjoyable rather than hurting or punishing yourself. Reframing very negative thoughts is also important.

Instead of hyper focusing on what your arms look like, instead focus on all the things they help you do. Wear things that are comfortable. There are many everyday things you can do to practice body neutrality; the most important one, is to be patient with yourself and others as it is difficult to change negative thoughts and habits. 

Written By: Briannan Langdon 

LMSW School-based Therapy Intern 

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