With social media’s apparent prevalence in today’s society, making comparisons to others is easy. The media in general has also created the notion that to be beautiful, your body has to appear a certain way. Men and women are held to this certain standard of beauty that is created by the media as we look at the Calvin Klein models, for example, that appear in the advertisements we see on the web and in print. Crisp, clean definition outlining virtually every muscle possible in the men, and a flat stomach with slim, yet toned limbs for the women. This sort of endorsement by the media as well as by highly popular ‘Instagram models’ who post pictures of their protruding hip and collar bones, posing in a bikini, can create a platform for viewers to quickly develop a discounted self-image and diminished self love.
During my senior year in high school, I developed anorexia. I can’t say that 100 percent of the reason that I developed this disorder was because of viewing other thin, sought after women on social media or because of the disappointing standards that the media has created for beauty. However, these aspects did at least play some of the role in helping me to restrict my caloric intake and exercise excessively.
Thankfully, I can now refer to myself as recovered. I did seek professional help, but most importantly, I fell in love with yoga and it helped me overcome the toughest part of my recovery, restoring love for my body.
While watching myself flow through the different series during class I noticed that my body was capable of so much. I began to worry less about what my body looked like and more about what my body could do. Yoga gave me something to work at that wasn’t losing weight or achieving a thinner body type.
I learned how to be aware of my breath; at first during class, and then throughout my day. Returning to slow, steady breathing throughout the day helped to keep my anxiety at bay and I found that I wasn’t obsessing over my body image, or virtually anything else for that matter. During times of stress I learned to return my awareness to my breath for comfort and a sense of ease would always follow. This helped me to move past any negative thoughts regarding my body that would sneak into my mind from time to time.
Even if you don’t have an eating disorder, I think that most people can relate to a time where they have felt poorly about themselves in one way or another, especially in today’s society. Yoga is a fabulous outlet for the stresses that you may carry along with you throughout the day. You can bring in your worry, hurt, anger, etc. and leave it all at the top of your mat. Your emotions will flow out through your motions and with every practice you will leave feeling rejuvenated and thankful for the beautiful body you have been given. If you haven’t tried yoga, I highly suggest you do!
Image via Giphy