The Holidays and Body Positivity

Author: Karen Helmes, MA, LPC, ACS

The holidays can be a very stressful time for us. When we are stressed we can find our energy low which causes us to be more sensitive to our own thoughts and the comments of others. Start off with giving yourself grace. Spend time being very intentional with identifying some positives for yourself and a few things that you are grateful for. Avoid setting unrealistic resolutions and expectations. Identify goals that you have obtained over the year and which ones you might want to add to. If it is a new goal, set a short term one and longer term one but allow them to be realistic. Small changes make a larger impact. 

Make healthy choices with what you are eating but do not deny yourself some of your favorite holiday treats. If you can, exercise or get active a little more than usual. You will find that it might balance what you are consuming while also increasing serotonin. In addition exercise can be a great stress reducer. 

Be kind to yourself and others. Be on the “look out” for those cognitive distortions and self defeating negative beliefs that might be echoing in your mind. When we are under stress we become more susceptible for these to increase. Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to feel good. Spread compliments to others and graciously allow others to praise you. 

If and when the topic of weight, physical wellness and appearance come up, feel confident about setting a hard and firm boundary that discussing weight, diet and physical appearances is not an option. Express your discomfort in weight discussions and body image. Even though you may feel confident with yourself and body image, it can still become triggering to engage in this conversation topic and have negative repercussions after the holidays. 

Please see our other blog titled, Ways to reduce stress and increase personal happiness during the holidays regarding ways to have a lower or stress free holiday.