If you’re like me, then you have been seeing some body changes during this stressful time of quarantine. With the stress of a global pandemic, changing social norms, online classes for K-12 and college students, the BLANKs can pile up. And those stressors have likely manifested themselves in changes to your body, appetite, exercise schedule, or self-care routine. While that stress can cause negative thoughts in one’s minds, I am here to tell you that loving your quarantine body is an amazing experience, and I can tell you why.
I have seen my body go through many changes throughout my life. Gaining weight, losing weight, a surgery, the “Freshman 15”, relationship weight, and countless others. But seeing my quarantine body, my body that is carrying me through a global pandemic and easily one of the most stressful times in my life, fills me with a strange sense of pride. While my weight gain and lack of exercise has been rough to come to terms with, my body is still supporting me and loving me regardless. And yours is too! As so many colleges have been saying in their near-daily emails to their students, we are living in unprecedented times, and everything looks different, including bodies. Again, if you are like me during this quarantine, you have been fluctuating between every emotion possible, and you are trying to remain as positive as is humanly possible. But the best thing you can do for yourself is to treat your body with the respect and love that it deserves.
Almost everybody struggles with body image issues at some point in their lives, and it’s always difficult to overcome. But accepting your body for what it is, especially during such a hectic and ever-changing time, is the most beneficial thing you could do. Every day will be a whole new struggle, but your body is carrying you through an extremely “unprecedented” time, and you and your body are doing the best that you possibly can.
Your body supports you. Your body loves you without fail and without pause every single day of your life. Among all possible autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, mental health problems, physical ailments, your body supports you. The best thing you can do is love and support and appreciate your body for what she is, for what she does for you every single day.
Additionally, if you want more positivity on your social media feeds, here are some wonderful body-positive influencers and creators to follow on multiple social media platforms.
TIKTOK:
- Florence Simpson: Florence has documented her health and fitness journey, but keeps her content free from pressure and body shaming.
- Brittani Lancaster: Brittani has been documenting her recovery from multiple eating disorders, and encourages her followers and viewers to not shame themselves for eating, and to be sure to enjoy food.
- Nabela Noor: Nabela has a lot of body positive content on her account, and she also posts daily inspirational videos and daily routines.
INSTAGRAM:
- @effyourbeautystandards
- @enamasiama
- @roseybeeme
- @marquimode
- @bodyposipanda