Shaping Your Body Image

September 8, 2022

We are seeing a new trend that is influencing our culture and mindset. Scrolling through social media, we see more stretch marks, cellulite, freckles, and acne. Showing who you truly are is becoming more popular.

Social media has a choke-hold on our lives, so it is important to make sure we are following those who are spreading encouragement. It is okay to unfollow to keep a positive feed. There are so many influencers sharing ways to love your body on TikTok, Instagram, Podcasts, etc.

Here are five podcasts to listen to if you are struggling with insecurity and body image:

1. “Navigating Your Body Image in your 20s,” – Morning Rae
Allana Blumberg discusses how important it is to open up about your insecurities and self-doubt because everyone experiences it. We often feel like everyone around us has it all together and one hundred percent feel confident in their body, but the reality is that everyone has days when they wish they looked different. She encourages her listeners to focus on what they feel good about and to wear the clothes that make them confident. You will never truly be happy until you embrace who you truly are.

2. “Body Image & Self-Acceptance” – Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain quickly became one of the most famous influencers within Gen-Z. Although Emma has 16 million followers on Instagram, she still struggles with embracing who she is on the inside and the outside. In this podcast episode, she talks about how one comment on her post can change everything. She will post a picture on social media that she thinks she looks good in, but if a follower thinks differently, it will affect her initial mindset. Emma also talks about the importance of awareness and reflecting on what triggers your moments of sadness and self-doubt. If something is not adding to your self-worth, subtract it from your life.

3. “A Healthier Perspective on Body Image and Fitness,” – Happy & Healthy
Jeanine Amapola talks about aiming for progress, not perfection. Learning to love your body will not happen overnight. She opens up about not fully embracing herself, but coming to an understanding that you should not be missing out on precious moments because of insecurity. Life is too short to skip a good time just because you don’t feel cute. Jeanine discusses how she was so desperate for a formula to feel good, so she found her worth in Christ. Your body does not define you!

4. “Real Girls Radio” – Bad Body Image Days
Emma Doherty and Amelia Goldsmith converse about how to stop being self-deprecating. They talk about the toxicity of picking yourself apart while looking in the mirror in the morning. Your morning routine can make or break your day, so if you start it with negative self-talk, it is going to play out for the rest of your day. One tip they give is to surround your mirror with positive sticky notes as a reminder to choose love every morning. They also bring up how your circle can hurt your self-esteem. If you are surrounding yourself with people who bring you down, then it will stunt your journey to loving yourself. Surround yourself with people who love you for you.

5. “Moments Struggling with Body Image,” – Moments Podcast
Lexi Hidalgo chats about how the beauty standard is always changing. Instead of chasing after what type of “body” is trending, focus on being healthy. She tells us to think about the people we love most in life. We do not love people because of their appearance, but by the way they make us feel. We admire the way people smile, laugh, chase their dreams, etc… none of which is body related. Food gives you the energy to dance, swim, walk, and do whatever it is you are passionate about.

I know that loving your body is easier said than done, but with practice, it will get better. I’m assuming most of us reading this blog attend college. This means we are currently living in some of the most memorable years of our lives. When we look back, we are going to recollect the moments that made us feel alive. I encourage you from here on out to worry less about your outward appearance, but to focus on the beauty of living.

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