I never look in the mirror when I’m naked. (Stay with me, it’s not soft porn; promise). It’s a strange truth that I’ve only just began to notice, mostly as a result of a feeble attempt to fully understand my relationship with my body. Why? I don’t quite know yet (ask me when I can afford more therapy) but whatever the cause of my underlying aversion to the appearance of my physical state, I do find the phenomena disturbing.
How have I got to the age of almost 27 and am unable to face my body for what it is: 164 centre-mitres of off-white, average flesh, eyes and hair. Because really, that’s all anyone is – to look at, anyway. Always the first to admit my psychological flaws, I recently became acutely aware of the fucked-upness of my self-distain and vowed to make it less so.
As it turns out, a waft of disgust with every glance at your belly button isn’t normal. Avoiding a satisfying exhale for fear of a ‘puffed out’ tummy isn’t a regular way to breathe. And subconsciously hand-skimming your outer thigh after a pizza just to check it hasn’t mutated by Mr Blobby proportions is definitely NOT OKAY. Time to sort my shit out.
Now, I’m not saying that it’s possible to magically re-love every ounce of flesh on your body simply by deciding (and rejecting) that the world is full of body-shaming bullshit. Let’s be honest, if it was that simple we’d all be running around in crop tops and telling every f*ck boy exactly where to go the minute he lets on about his annual trips to Thailand (and his collection of Mythos wife beater vests). I think I speak for us all when I say; it’s not that easy.
What I have managed over the past couple of months, however, is to establish a collection of activities that make being in the skin I’m in that smidgen easier. Some I am actively engaged in, whilst others I have read about and plan to try my hand at in the coming months. Watch this space for my furore into naked, wild-but-zen merriment.
LIFE DRAWING
According to studies by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University eyeing up a bum crevice for an hour (in the name of art) can actually improve your relationship with your own crevice body by pretty substantial proportions. Researchers tasked 138 men and women to take part in Life Drawing classes and complete a body satisfaction questionnaire before and after. Body satisfaction improved 25 per cent after the class whereas the ‘drive for thinness’ and social physique anxiety decreased significantly – unsurprisingly, the effect was stronger in women. A second study involving only women who were attending a class for the first time saw similarly startling effects. The researchers concluded: Life drawing may emerge as an effective means of promoting healthier body image across the population.’ Try drawpaintsculpt.com if you’re interested.
TAKE A HIKE
Or walk the long way to the shop – preferably through a field or two – then stop, get an ice cream and walk all the way back again. Best of all, if you’re having a bad brain day, science says you’ll probably feel less shitty about that ice cream (not that you ever should, of course but let’s be honest, we all know what our bastard brains can be like). Again, the team at Anglia Ruskin University have been beavering away in this area of scientific research to present novel methods that stop us body-bashing. Five studies in which students both saw images of natural settings and took walks in parks, fields and other outdoor spaces, showed that a marked improvement in ‘body appreciation and satisfaction’ can result from spending time with nature. Conversely, when participants were shown images of built up, urban areas – or spent time indoors – their rating of body satisfaction decreased. Researchers pose this could be both due to a shift in focus (i.e on the beauty of nature rather than whether your belly is protruding over your leggings) and an appreciation for the functionality of the body as it carries you through the fields, across rocky bridges and up steep hills. Again; get an ice cream afterwards.
POSITIVE AFFIRMATION
No, you don’t have to do it in front of a mirror. In fact, studies show that just reading body-affirming statements whilst actively rejecting the idea that one’s body confidence is based on other’s opinions of yourself dramatically increases body confidence and self esteem in young women. This effect was seen both before and after participants had been exposed to images of seemingly ‘perfect’ thing models. In particular, spiritual and religious statements were found to be the most effective. I’m not suggesting you go away and swallow a bible, but perhaps pick a few meaningful lines that remind you how precious your body is (instagram is a good place to start or, you know, a book…) and read them on your commute to work each day.
NAKED/SEMI-NAKED BATHS/SAUNA/STEAM ROOMS
NOT A BROTHEL I PROMISE. There’s a reason why the population of Scandinavian country of Denmark are the least scared of ridicule or embarrassment than any other european country. Okay, it might not just be due to the fact that they love a good naked sauna, but I’m pretty sure it’s got a hell of a lot to do with it. In Finland, Denmark and Sweden, children are exposed to nude bodies of all different shapes and sizes within the culture of nude bathing and wood-fired saunas.
As a result of this – and many other marvellous Scandi qualities – the countries have consistently high happiness ratings and low levels of bodily shame…and oddly, teenage pregnancy. Countless studies show the huge benefits for self-esteem that come from engaging in ‘non-sexual nudity’ with other women. If it scares you – coz, let’s be frank, you’re British – perhaps ease yourself in with a regular sauna (one that isn’t filled with wankers) first and de-robe as much as you feel comfortable. Then get yourself some easyjet flights to Finland when you’re ready to sweat in all your natural glory. Sorry, no ice creams allowed in the sauna.
HYPNOTHERAPY
Whilst some studies suggest that a risk factor for ingesting negative body attitudes is a vulnerability to being ‘hypnotisable’ , the area of hypnotism and body satisfaction is relatively under-researched. However there is significant evidence for the role of hypnotism in improving women’s body confidence post cancer treatment, especially those who have undergone a mastectomy or harsh chemotherapy. What’s more, the therapy have been found to be effective at inducing a state of relaxation which is undoubtedly helpful for those who are anxious about the presentation of their body in front of others. Several anecdotal accounts of women who have suffered for years with body-loathing complexes claim to have found hypnotherapy useful, so why not give it a go to test the waters? I will be doing just that with the help of the lovely Chloe Brotheridge, so watch this space for my epic confidence transformation…or, just less time spent crying in the bath. Here’s hoping!