Be kind: How you think about your body
A New Way to Think About Your Body
For years, the main idea behind body positivity has been simple: “Love the body you’re in.” That’s helped lots of people push back against unrealistic beauty standards. But let’s be honest — it’s not always easy to love your body, especially on days when you don’t feel your best.
That’s why some people now talk about body neutrality. Instead of pressuring yourself to feel positive about every part of your body, body neutrality is about accepting your body as it is and paying more attention to what it allows you to do rather than how it looks.
What Does Body Neutrality Mean?
You don’t have to feel amazing about your body, but you don’t have to dislike it either.
You can simply accept it and move the focus to how your body works for you.
It’s about shifting from appearance to ability — like running, resting, laughing, or hugging your friends.
Body neutrality creates space for a calmer, more respectful relationship with your body — one that doesn’t involve constant judgment.
Why Not Just Body Positivity?
Body positivity has made a difference by challenging beauty standards. But in everyday life, the message can still feel focused on looks. Phrases like “Love your shape!” or “Every body is beautiful!” are meant to empower — but they still make beauty the center of attention.
What happens if you don’t feel beautiful? Or if you don’t want your self-worth tied to appearance at all? That’s where body neutrality helps. It reminds you that you don’t need to think your stomach looks perfect to be grateful it digests your food, or that your arms don’t have to look a certain way to be valued for the hugs they give.
Shifting the Conversation
When you stop obsessing over appearance, you free up time and energy for the things that really matter: friends, hobbies, health, and happiness.
Here are some examples of shifting your thinking:
Instead of: “I don’t like how my legs look.”
Try: “My legs help me walk, run, and dance — and that matters more than appearance.”Instead of: “I feel gross today.”
Try: “I’m having an off day with how I feel about my body, and that’s normal. My value isn’t based on looks.”Instead of: “I need to change this part of me.”
Try: “I don’t have to change to be enough as I am.”
Putting Body Neutrality Into Practice
Notice your inner voice. If you catch yourself being critical, ask: Would I talk this way to a friend?
Give new kinds of compliments. Say things like “You seem really confident today” or “I love your energy,” instead of commenting on appearance.
Look after your body with kindness. Eat when you’re hungry, rest when you’re tired, move in ways you enjoy — not as punishment, but as respect.
Adjust your social media feed. Follow accounts that make you feel supported and seen, and unfollow the ones that bring you down.
Take breaks from body talk. You don’t have to always comment on how you look — you are more than your reflection.