From tummy teas to waist trainers, to Kim Kardashian’s most recent ad for an appetite suppressant lollipop, to thousand of social media posts dedicated to comparing bodies with rated numbers. Whether we want to admit it or not, social media impacts our perception of body goals or body image.

What is it about us as a society that has such an (unhealthy) obsession with each others bodies. Whatever it is, it’s worth the conversation. Let’s talk about body image and body goals and the impact social media has on women today.

Are Body Goals Realistic?

I’ve had several chats with my girlfriends recently and many of us fall victim to the unrealistic “body goals” presented on social media. You’re either not thick enough, not skinny enough, not curvy enough, and after scrolling down your timeline sometimes it makes you question yourself.

Recently a friend who was very thin growing up, shared with me that she’s embarrassed to post pictures of her body on social media because she doesn’t want people to think she let herself go since she’s gained some weight. She only posts pictures from the chest up.

Ugh! How did we get here?

Social media in particular has become a breeding ground for self consciousness based on very unrealistic and often flat out unreal expectations of how women should look and exist in their bodies.

How Social Media Impacts Our Perception of Body Goals

So how do we take our power back. How do we maintain a groundedness in these vessels we live in without constantly reevaluating and judging ourselves against the “body goals” of social media? Here are 3 tips:

1. Change the narrative: The way we talk to ourselves matters. While scrolling through social media be conscious of how you are practicing self talk. You don’t have to make a comparative statement every time you see a body you find fabulous. “Wow she looks great!” does not have to be followed up with, “I wish I looked like her.”

2. Follow accounts that affirm your glory: Take time to take a peek at the hashtags #BodyPositivity #BoPo #BodyLove and #EffYourBeautyStandards, to open yourself to a whole new world of self love!

3. Time shift: Use 15-20 minutes of the time you might usually spend scrolling social media, to show your body some love! Dry brushing, self massage, hot shower, bubble bath, or even a gentle self hug are all things you can intentionally and actively do to take a stand against societies imposed expectations.

There are a few very important things I need you to know.

“Beauty is a business, an industry! Companies are profiting off of our insecurities daily. Don’t let them! You have every right to feel beautiful exactly as you are. No imposing of rules, standards or expectations have to change that.”

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Lastly, always remember that in the climate we live in of #bodygoals, loving yourself is a revolution! Go be bold in self love, self care, and the incredible power you have to be beautiful just as you are.

My Challenge to You:

Take time to reflect on your own internal understandings of beauty and where they may have come from. Was your mom always commenting on her arms and now you are prone to take a second glance at your own arms in the mirror? Were the girls at your school often immaturely squirmish about body hair and you’ve carried that into your adulthood? Reflect on your own body story.

Reflection Question:

Do I treat my body with care, attention, love, and understanding?

Resource of the Month:

There is a blog that is radically changing the ways we think about our bodies. It’s called The Body Is Not An Apology and when you get some free time, I truly suggest you rummage through its posts, resources, and inspiration for a boost of confidence and understanding around your relationship with your body.

Mantra of the Month:

“My body is the temple I inhabit, manage, love and indulge in. I make all decisions in how it exists.”