As we acknowledge the last day of May and Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to highlight the importance of body positivity and the mental health benefits of embracing our unique shapes and sizes. As an modest fashion and faith-based writer, I want to share some insights on how to celebrate your body and boost your mental well-being, grounded in scriptural wisdom.
The Connection Between Body Positivity, Faith, and Mental Health on young girls and women
Societal pressures can often make us feel inadequate, especially when it comes to body image for women and especially for adolescent girls who are still developing and going through physiological changes. Embracing your plus-size body can significantly enhance your mental health by fostering self-acceptance and reducing anxiety related to body image. You will also be setting an example for the next generation of women to do the same. Modest fashion offers beautiful, respectful clothing that enhances this journey. Here’s how you can start:
- Dress for Confidence: Find modest clothes that make you feel good. Fashion should be about expressing your personality and feeling comfortable in your own skin.
- Positive Affirmations: Start your day with affirmations that reinforce your worth and beauty, regardless of size. Reflect on Psalm 139:14 (NKJV): “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”
- Curate Your Wardrobe: Choose pieces that align with your values and style, making sure they reflect your faith, personal preferences, and fit you comfortably.
My Personal Journey to Self-Love
Growing up, the women in my family were on as many fad diets as I can remember. While they said that they were proud to be "big boned" they would often joke or use sarcasm around meals. One phrase that I still remember to this day was a clipping that my aunt had pinned to the fridge that said, "A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips!" I didn’t fully understand the saying until it was my turn after having children and approaching middle age. My problem areas aren’t my hips, but I can now empathize with my female ancestors who walked this journey before me and the struggles that all women face.
This understanding has deepened my compassion and reinforced the importance of self-love and acceptance especially with raising a preteen girl. As Joyce Meyer wisely said, "Eat right, exercise, and weigh what God wants you to weigh." That is the phrase that I live by and use when talking to other women and share with my children. Her journey through body image struggles to finding freedom and control over food is a powerful testament to balancing faith and well-being.
Setting an Example for Adolescent Girls
It's crucial to set a positive example for adolescent girls who are also navigating body image issues. How we view and talk about our bodies can significantly impact their self-esteem and mental health. By embracing our bodies and promoting a healthy, faith-based perspective on body image, we can help young girls develop a positive relationship with their own bodies.
Factoring stress into the journey
Stress has a significant physiological impact on our bodies, including weight and mood. Chronic stress can lead to weight gain and exacerbate mental health issues. Here are some ways to manage stress:
- Prayer and Meditation: Spending time in prayer and meditation can provide peace and clarity. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) encourages us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
- Regular Exercise: Incorporating physical activity into your routine can help reduce stress and improve mood. Walking is free and we like to go for early evening strolls after dinner. If you suffer from joint pain, try water aerobics at a lap pool. Talk to your health care provider for suggestions and before starting any exercise or diet changes.
- Healthy Eating: Nourishing your body with wholesome foods can improve overall health and well-being.
Just because Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to a close, your journey doesn't have to stop. The walk of faith, mental health, and self-love is a lifetime adventure. Celebrate your curves and let your confidence shine every day for all to see. Pass the torch through your words, actions, and style speak life onto the next generation of girls and young women.
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What steps are you taking to set an embrace your body and improve your mental health? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Scripture to Meditate On
Psalm 139:14 (NKJV): "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”