Body Love

Let's chat about something that touches us all—body image. It’s that inner dialogue we have about how we look, and for women between 30 and 65, this can be influenced by so many things: ageing, hormones, brain function, and yes, even social media. Let’s break it down together and see how we can foster a kinder, more supportive view of ourselves.

Brain Function and Neurodevelopment

Our brains play a significant role in how we perceive our bodies. That self-talk we have? It’s shaped by how our brains develop and function. Negative self-talk can become a habit, especially when reinforced by societal pressures and past experiences.

Here’s the good news: our brains are capable of change, thanks to neuroplasticity. By working on positive self-talk and mindfulness, we can rewire our brains to support a healthier body image. Practices like and mindfulness meditation and becoming aware of our negative self-talk are great tools to help us cultivate self-kindness and gratitude for our bodies.

The Influence of Social Media

Ah, social media. It’s a double-edged sword, isn’t it? On one hand, it’s great for staying connected, but on the other, it’s full of idealised images that can make us feel "less than." Those perfectly curated photos can lead to comparisons and self-doubt.

But here’s a thought: what if we curated our feeds to be more supportive? Following body-positive influencers, health-focused content, and joining supportive communities can make a big difference. Learning to critically assess what we see and setting boundaries on social media use can help protect our self-image.

The Power of Gratitude and What Our Bodies Can Do

When we use our bodies to engage in activities we enjoy, we shift the focus from how we look to what we can do. This functional approach to body image is empowering. Neuroscience supports this perspective; when we engage in physical activities, our brains release endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. This helps in fostering a positive body image by associating movement with joy and capability rather than just appearance.

Moreover, the concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself—shows us that by engaging in regular physical activity, we can enhance our brain function and mood. This creates a positive feedback loop where feeling good about what our bodies can do leads to improved self-perception.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate all that our bodies have done and continue to do for us. From carrying us through life’s challenges to allowing us to express ourselves through movement, our bodies are truly remarkable. Cultivating gratitude for our physical selves can be a powerful tool in fostering a healthier body image.

Practical Strategies for a Healthy Body and Attitude to Movement

While our bodies do change as we get older, it’s never too late to make them strong and healthy. Building lean muscle and maintaining a healthy body composition are key components of feeling good about ourselves. Protein plays a crucial role in this. Ensuring adequate protein intake supports muscle repair and growth, which is vital as we age.

Engaging in regular strength training exercises can help us maintain and even increase muscle mass. This not only improves physical strength but also boosts metabolism, helping with weight management. More importantly, a strong body enables us to do what we love—whether it’s playing with children, hiking, dancing, or simply enjoying everyday activities without fatigue.

Incorporate more incidental exercise into your day - don’t just stand up and sit down… do it 5 times then get your cup of tea. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk to the letter box from the house, rather than stop the car beside it when you get home, sit on the floor (there’s new research to say that this is an excellent way to keep joints healthy and to maintain balance as we age), do calf raises or squats as you wait for dinner to cook (This may require some explanation to housemates). Every little bit helps.

Understanding all these influences is the first step towards a healthier self-perception. By embracing the changes that come with ageing, recognising the impact of hormones, tapping into our brain’s ability to change, and being mindful of social media, we can build a more kind and supportive relationship with our bodies.

It’s about practicing self-kindness, celebrating what our bodies can do, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences. Let’s aim to respect our bodies, appreciating the unique journey they’ve taken us on and being grateful for all they continue to offer us.