Happiful_May_2019

Bonus tip: Social media can also be an echo chamber

for body talk. If you follow a lot of fitness accounts that

talk about weight, shape and size, it’s best to unfollow

them and fill your feed with pages that showcase body

diversity, among other things.

SWEAR TO SILENCE

If you can’t walk away from certain situations,

then make a pact to avoid all body talk. Let your friends

know how this affects your mental health, and vow only

to comment on positive properties within your control

• such as creativity, thoughtfulness, and generosity. Let
  this be a reminder that you are so much more than a
  body, and turn these instances into an experience of
  appreciation.

Maxine Ali is a food, health and feminist journalist,

a linguist, and body image researcher. Follow her on

Instagram @maxineali, or learn more at maxineali.com

May 2019 • happiful • 35

SHUTTING DOWN NEGATIVE
BODY TALK
If we keep using negative, critical,
derogatory language to describe
our bodies, then, naturally, we will
continue to look at our bodies as
enemies we have to punish and
resent. But the good news is that
we have the power to change that.
We can watch our words and start a
kinder conversation with ourselves,
and others around us.

CHECK YOURSELF
First things first: pay attention
to your language. Notice when you
talk about your body, or when others
around you do. Notice what you say
and how you feel when those things
are said, then work on checking
negative words before they’re voiced
out loud.

SHOW YOURSELF
COMPASSION
I’m not saying it’s easy to challenge
body talk. Far from it. If it’s
something you’re accustomed to do
often, of course, there will be times
when the comments just come out. If
you slip up, don’t see it as a setback.
Be compassionate, counter yourself
with a compliment, and simply aim
to do better next time.

DON’T FOLLOW THE CROWD
Negative body talk might
feel like a social obligation, but
that doesn’t mean you have to
participate. If your friend starts
berating the way they look, if a
colleague makes a critique about
their weight, you don’t have to
engage. You don’t have to say ‘me
too’, and share your own insecurities.
You can simply do what’s right for
your mental health, and walk away
from the conversation.

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Body Talk