With summer right around the corner and the school year coming to an end, many of us want to have the “perfect” summer body — but there’s no such thing as perfect.
Society has painted a picture telling us that we need to look a certain way. Exercising more and eating healthy are healthy habits, unless we get carried away.
Here are several questions to ask yourself to stay on a healthy track when it comes to exercise and body positivity.
1. What does my body allow me to do?
Your body helps you do everyday chores like cleaning your apartment, doing school work or hanging out with friends. Your body is your best friend. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to function.
Shifting your mindset to focus on all the things you are able to do creates room for gratitude. It’s a gift to be able to walk, run, take the stairs and manage your life with a body that is functioning.
2. Who says you need to be thinner? You?
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Don’t let your mind take control of who you really are. Your weight is not your defining factor, no matter what society might be saying to you.
Ask your close friends and family how they see you. They’ll notice your kindness, your intelligence and your dedication — the things that really matter in the end.
3. How does your body help you do what you love?
Do you like hiking, yoga or playing with your furry pal? Well, without your body you wouldn’t be able to do any of that stuff. Remember that.
4. Are your looks that important to you?
To some, looks may be everything, and to others, they are content with themselves. Think to yourself: do I care how I look because of someone or something in my life? Because if that’s true, then some things need to change because you are perfect the way you are.
5. What has my body helped me do within the past month?
Maybe that’s attending a concert with friends or going out on a family brunch. Without your body, you would not have been able to do any of those things.
6. How does my body express my emotions?
Two words: through movement. That’s all it takes for your body language to express your emotions.
With all of this being said, having a body positive mindset is beneficial to you and your health. Looks aren’t everything. As summer approaches, remember to ask these questions any time you doubt yourself.
Gabrielle Albertson is a senior in mass communications. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
