Can't Stop Thinking About Your Weight? 5 Tips to Shift Your Perspective
Written By: Taylor Rao
Advertising Disclosure- Our content is free because we earn a commission when you click or make a purchase using our site.
The struggle with body image is not a new thing, but in today’s social media heavy, celebrity crush type of culture, all it takes for a mindless scroll to turn into a spiral is thumbing through a few images of someone online who instantly makes you feel “eh” about yourself.
And if it’s not an influencer or reality TV star that can trigger those thoughts, it’s a memory resurfacing on your Photos app or Facebook page that takes you back to a more body-positive time and has you thinking, “I wish I looked like that again.”
But with the ongoing pandemic and the stressful, crazy world we’re living in today, it is not uncommon to be constantly comparing yourself to a former version of you, and wondering why you can’t get your current weight off your mind. According to WebMD, 48 percent of Americans said they experienced weight gain during the first 12 months of COVID –so you’re not alone.
Rather than think about the number on the scale, there are ways you can start to tackle your weight loss goals while also accepting the current reality and shifting your perspective on where you’re at right now. Hey, maybe you don’t even want to or need to lose weight.
There are so many factors that can go into the changes your body goes through on a monthly or yearly basis, and it’s important to take a deep breath, understand these feelings can be a part of the process and that you have the mental strength to carry on in the state you’re in.
Be real(istic)
Let’s start with the obvious: If you are the type of person that thinks about your weight or image based on what you see on social media, it’s worth reiterating to yourself that what you see online is not what is representative of real life. While it seems silly to say out loud, deep down you know that there is way more behind-the-scenes than what goes on in a photo of someone “living their best life” and that most people do not look like our favorite celebrities, TikTok stars or fashion influencers.
There is nothing that can change that you are simply “you,” and it will not serve any good to fantasize about a lifestyle that is not practical –and soon you might start to understand there are no modifications needed and you’d rather be thriving, beautiful and present IRL than online, anyways.
Go up a size
There’s a positive TikTok trend going on that is all about shifting your perspective on your current weight. Women will hop on the camera, model an adorable outfit and say something like, “How do I fit into these jeans one month after baby? I bought a bigger size!”
The whole idea behind this trend is to not stress out over the shirts in your closet that are a little too tight, which can feel like a constant reminder that things have changed. Rather than try and squeeze yourself into jeans from your early 20s, you can achieve a flattering, comfortable look in your clothes simply by going up a size. There is no shame in the number on the back of your waistband in your pants, as long as you feel confident with the way the clothes both feel and look on your body.
Say ‘yes’ to making small changes
Sometimes when you’re discouraged about your weight, it can seem like nothing you do will make a difference. And listen, that’s not true! If you’re not fully ready to take on a new diet or commit to a daily workout routine, believe that doing the best you can will make a difference.
Small changes, like drinking more water each day, going on a casual walk at night, or turning down your sweet tooth every so often can help change your habits and improve your overall mindset. Pursue activities that will give you more energy, distract your mind or motivate you to stay positive –shifting the internal dialogue from what you might be doing wrong in your life to the things that serve you and feel right. Small changes will matter in the long run.
Find things to embrace, not hate, about your body
If you’re not used to carrying a little extra weight, there actually might be some new(ish) features about your body that are worth acknowledging and even celebrating. Maybe it’s the way your clothes show off your newfound curves, or perhaps your bum is looking a little more like the peach emoji –which isn’t a bad thing at all (wink).
Rather than focusing on what you don’t have, embrace a new avenue on the self-love journey and learn to appreciate the current state you’re in. It might not be easy at first, but the more times you look in the mirror and find a reason to smile, your mood will begin to improve and so will your daily disposition.
Take back control
The reality is, even if you have gotten off the rails a bit, you are still in control of your body and your mind. And when you acknowledge the power you have, those two things can work together to make a difference and find yourself back where you want to be.
If you’re struggling a lot with negative feelings about your body, it is often very useful to look for help. Talking to a professional, even virtually, can help make sure you have a growth mindset that is healthy and productive.
You are in control of what you put into your body and how you treat yourself overall. Take a minute to understand what you need –whether it’s a break from being so hard on yourself, something healthy to eat, a trained professional, or just a long walk to count your daily steps and pump some serotonin into your system.
