Can You Fix a Bad Body Image Day?
Because the world is making it harder to have a body right now.
Our body image is not formed in isolation—it is deeply influenced by our experiences, stress levels, physical health, and even world events. Times of uncertainty, personal hardship, illness, or pain can all intensify negative body image thoughts. The way we feel about our bodies can fluctuate based on what is happening around us and within us. So if you’re struggling right now, I hope you can locate the problem outside of yourself and your body. We’re witnessing and feeling so much pain and anxiety right now, and yes, that manifests in the body.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned about body image healing is that it isn’t about fixing anything. It’s about learning to meet ourselves with compassion, especially on the hard days.
We live in a culture steeped in anti-fat bias and unattainable beauty standards, and that absolutely makes body image harder. But even in a world without those pressures, having a body would still come with ups and downs. That’s part of being human.
As a note, if you’re grappling with discomfort (emotional or physical), tune in to this episode: "What If I'm Just Uncomfortable Being Fat?"
So when a bad body image day happens, the goal isn’t to fix it but to move through it with as much kindness and care as possible. Instead of searching for a way to make the feelings go away, we can focus on what actually helps in the moment:
Wearing comfortable clothes that don’t dig, pinch, or feel restrictive.
Listening to a podcast that centers body acceptance and self-worth.
Curating your social media feed so it isn’t filled with triggering content that makes your body feel “wrong.”
Eating consistently throughout the day to keep your body nourished and cared for.
Speaking to yourself the way you’d speak to a dear friend.
Reducing body checking behaviors (like staring in the mirror, pinching, or weighing yourself).
Doing something that soothes you and brings you back to the present moment.
Engaging in an activity that brings you joy, even in small ways.
Catching up with someone who makes you feel good.
Reaching out to a friend just to say something kind (sometimes kindness to others reminds us to extend the same to ourselves).
The goal isn’t to chase feeling good about your body at all times—it’s to build the resilience to care for yourself even when you don’t. Bad body image days aren’t a failure, nor are they a sign that something has to change; they’re an opportunity to practice self-compassion, reorient ourselves to what matters, and remember our common humanity.
And that’s where real healing happens.
I’d love to hear from you:
How do you find the stress of world events impacts the way you feel in your body?
What is one thing that helps you the most on those hard body image days?
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