Stress is something that affects a large proportion of the UK. In fact, it’s predicted that in the past year 74% of the population have felt they are unable to cope as a result [1]. Stress Awareness Month is a great opportunity to take time to focus on yourself and to instigate those conversations which you may ordinarily avoid. This year the theme is all about regaining connectivity, certainty and control, so at Ldn Dares we’re saying:
Reconnect with your body both physically and spiritually;
Be certain and confident in your skin, and finally;
Regain control of your body and take the reins on those negative thoughts surrounding your appearance.
In 2019 it was found that 1 in 5 adults felt shame in their appearance, with 34% feeling down or low as a result of their body image [2]. If you have experienced worry over your body it’s likely you will have experienced symptoms of stress at some stage. How do you recognise the signs? This is not an exhaustive list but these are some of the ways in which stress may manifest itself in people with body image worries:
Unable to sleep or over-sleeping;
Loss or increase of appetite;
Feelings of anxiety or irritability;
Having racing thoughts, like there are no clothes you can possibly look good in;
Worrying about things over and over, such as the fear of being judged by others when you go out;
Tense muscles.
So how do you combat stress related body image? Let’s break it down into the three areas – connectivity, certainty and control.
Connectivity
Reconnect with yourself. What better way to reconnect with your body than through some gentle yoga. You don’t need to be a pro or even be able to touch your toes; the idea here is to concentrate on your breathing. Many of us know that by focussing on our inhaling and exhaling we will instantly begin to reconnect with our bodies. Yoga allows you to be engulfed into an almost meditative state and really helps to ground your body – listen to what it is telling you and become in-tune with yourself.
Reconnect with friends. As the lockdown eases, what better way to appreciate the April sun than by meeting up with a friend for a nice walk. We know you’re probably bored of hearing it, but exercise really does help with stress. Take this as an opportunity to talk with your friends or loved ones about how you are feeling. If you are feeling stressed related to body image, explain how this is affecting you – they are here to listen and support you. You never know, they may have experienced something similar and offer some words of wisdom.
Certainty
Everyone deserves to be comfortable in their own skin. Embrace who you are and see your ‘flaws’ as trophies for everything you have overcome – these are beautiful and make you unique. Use this as an opportunity to grow your confidence. Each day in April we dare you to stand in front of the mirror and deliver a self-affirmation with conviction – such as ‘I am enough’ or ‘I love the person staring back at me’. We suggest you fill an empty jar with affirmations you want to achieve – if you’re stuck ask a friend for help, alternatively there is plenty of inspiration on Pinterest.
Control
It’s time to take back control of your body. It can feel difficult in the current situation to feel motivated to look after yourself and your appearance. We’re not saying to adhere to beauty standards, but something as simple as getting back into a more normal routine really helps. Try getting up half an hour earlier than you have been to make time for a shower before sitting at your desk to work from home; or maybe even try a bit of exercise. Remember it’s important you’re giving yourself regular breaks throughout the day and taking time to eat –although stress can impact your appetite nourishing your body is important. Block out some time in your diary and give yourself a break from Zoom.
It is also important to realise when you are struggling and in some instances, to take control by seeking further advice. There are numerous online resources available from the likes of the Mental Health Foundation, BEAT, Mind and even Ldn Dares. However, don’t be afraid to go to your GP and open up the conversation. Tell them how you are feeling. This is the first step to further services should you require them.
If you’d like to read the latest report on the impacts of body image on mental health visit the Mental Health Foundation.
Written by Ldn Dares Artistic Director and Body Confidence Coach Ursula Joy
[1] https://www.stress.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-month-2019/
[2] https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/DqVNbWRVvpAPQzw.pdf