Chelsea Whyte Psychotherapy

🌟 Body neutrality isn’t 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅 of body positivity, but 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒔 body positivity.🌟

It’s important to remember that these differing perspectives are not in competition with each other. Body positivity and body neutrality are lenses to view the world through.

Body 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒚 emphasizes a whole-bodied perspective - loving your body as it is and letting go of unrealistic and overgeneralized standards of what the body 𝒉𝒂𝒔 to be. The body positivity movement focuses on balanced nourishment, healthy movement, and loving every nook and cranny, wrinkles and all.

Now, you might be asking - Why did the movement change to favour terms like body neutrality? Body positivity doesn’t seem so bad!

And you’re right, it’s not bad. However, there have been some critiques. For many, body positivity fails to separate someone’s identity from their physical appearance. Some of the narratives driven by body positivity may still accentuate the need to love yourself because of what your body 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆.

What body 𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 offers as an alternative to body positivity is the idea that bodies have functions beyond appearance. Body neutrality isn’t necessarily about loving your body or putting pressure on yourself to feel ‘okay’ in your skin every day. Rather, body neutrality is mindful of the ups and downs and encourages existing within those cycles without judgment.

These two concepts are not in competition with one another - and you don’t have to ‘practice’ just one. Our feelings toward ourselves, our bodies, and the world around us are fluid. There is no need to put pressure on ourselves to think about things the same way day after day. Allow space to follow the waves as they come and go.

More in the comments ⬇️

Let me take a moment to introduce myself here!

Hi, I’m Chelsea! 👋🏼 I’m a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario, Canada. 🇨🇦

I work in private practice here in Ottawa - at Westboro Psychology and virtually, where I specialize in working with youth and adults, on anxiety, self-esteem, ADHD, body image, and perfectionism.

My reason for showing up here? I hope to make mental health education more accessible, destigmatized, and represented accurately. I just love supporting a connecting with those who share my interests, passions, and values.

𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘺.

So, thank you for joining me on this journey. 🌻

I would describe myself as an “introverted extravert”, I love being with other humans but am known to also enjoy a cup of tea and a book, walking through the woods with my pup, ‘crafternoons’, and playing board games with friends!

📷

𝘽𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 - 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣?

In recent years, the term “body neutrality” has been circulating around conversations on mental health and positive body messaging. But what does it even mean?

Body neutrality is the idea that we can understand our bodies holistically and in ways that are objective and non-judgemental.

Our bodies are not just physical or aesthetic, our bodies mean so much more, including our mental health, the food we eat (the food we 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦), and the powerful movements our bodies make everyday.

Of course, body neutrality is a lens, not a rule - it doesn’t work for everybody. And that’s ok! It’s important to listen to yourself and use what’s best for you :)

What do you think about body neutrality?

# body

🍃G r o u n d i n g🍃 is a practice that can help you turn away from unwanted and difficult emotions, thoughts, or memories and re-centre on the present moment.

For instance, deep, rhythmic belly-breathing can help regulate your nervous system as well as your body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.

TIP: Save these ideas for when you need more clarity, calm, or focus in your daily life. They’re great to do before an anxiety-invoking event, such as a big presentation or difficult conversation.

Take a moment to reflect. 💭

How would you treat a friend if they were feeling down? Do you treat yourself with the same kindness?

🧠 Think.

✨ Imagine.

❓Ask.

🌬️Breathe.

Follow along ⬆️

Let me know in the comments how you’ll be kinder to yourself today.

Let’s talk about self-compassion.

We extend so much compassion to those around us, but when was the last time you showed compassion to yourself?

There are 3 elements of self-compassion we can all be more aware of when we’re feeling stuck, down, or out of place.

❣️ Self-kindness

🌱 Connectedness

🧠 Mindfulness

How are you showing yourself compassion today?