In recent years the conversation about body image has become more inclusive, louder - and widespread. Terms like "body positivity" and "body neutrality" have become prominent in this discourse, but what do they actually mean? As an expat who is living abroad, this can sometimes be difficult to manage with lots of travelling juggling time zones and high pressure jobs…

While both approaches aim to improve how individuals relate to their bodies, they are distinct in their philosophies and goals. Understanding the differences between body positivity and body neutrality can help you decide which mindset might better support your personal journey toward self-acceptance.

What exactly is Body Positivity?

Body positivity is a movement that asserts all bodies, no matter what their shape, size or appearance, deserve to be celebrated. It calls on individuals to embrace their bodies as objects of love and in defiance of social norms for normalization. This movement first began as a reaction to the s Ish wearin fat--a form of no social discrimination against people who are overweight or obese--but has since broadened its scope so that it covers any kind at all of body diversity: lacklsext type size, intention, partition in storage capacity along longitudinal or transverse boundaries or surface contour-, age group, race, or gender.

At heart, body positivity is about challenging the unrealistic beauty standards the media and consumer culture often hold up. It urges people to stop thinking about trying to fit an ideal form and focus more on celebrating their own uniqueness. Governments that encourage body positivity try to develop the habit of practicing body love to sway people away from diet culture and space where all can feel that their bodies are worthy.

However, body positivity also has its critics. Some argue that the movement can unintentionally force people to be positive about their bodies all of the time, which might feel unrealistic for those who are struggling with their looks. It isn't always possible that those who have chronic diseases or other disabilities will constantly feel positive about living strong and healthy lives; nor is this really an expectation we should set up.

As for body neutrality, which way to go?

Opting for body neutrality instead is a fresh option. Rather than struggling for people to be in love with their bodies, body neutrality is about learning to take what you've got and make do with the rest in a non-judgemental way at least if not positively. The aim of body neutrality is not to celebrate one's body, but rather see it as part of yourself that deserves care and attention irrespective of what it looks like. Body neutrality is an encouragement to people to try not to fixate on their bodies and to shift focus elsewhere: on what service those bodies can do for them. Its about finding some peace with your Bod by not making it the be all and end all of your self-esteem, as this approach is valued by those who feel disconnected from their body or don't get on well with their image.

For example, instead of saying "I love my thighs because they are strong and beautiful", someone following body neutrality might say, "My thighs help me walk and to move, that's just fine with me." This approach lets people focus on what their bodies do for them without necessarily how they appear, relieving some of the pressure to maintain a positive feeling about one's appearance.

The Key Differences

The primary difference between body positivity and body neutrality lies in its focus. Body positivity advises people to love and celebrate their bodies, but need not connect any particular depth of emotion with its appearance. For the person who wants to hug and cheerfully flaunt more than the crowd, body positivity can be a wonderful boost. For the person who just does not feel like celebrating their body yet is looking for peaceful co simplicity and comfort within it, however, body neutrality might well prove a better option. In other words, body positivity is about "loving" your body, while body neutrality is about "Understanding and realizing the nature of it."

Two Options. Both are Good For You?

Body positivity and body neutrality. For those who succeed in their daily battles, can be traced back to being bullied in middle school and high school, the choice between body positivity and body neutrality comes down completely to their own preference, mood of the moment. If merely crossing paths with body negative people makes you feel a cold dread at the pit of your stomach, trembling hands and difficulty breathing, then it is human nature. Only natural that many such as myself will turn to full-on body positivity-from DEEP DOWN INSIDE.