Setting Body Boundaries This Holiday Season 🎄
My god I love Christmas – the catch up, the laughter, the food! Even the stress of it all is bearable just to eat my mums dope lasagne. But you know what isn’t bearable? Having to put up with a running commentary about my body. We've all been there, haven't we?
“Going for seconds are we already?”
“I think you should skip dessert, hon”
“We’ll all be hitting the gym tomorrow!”
🙄🙄🙄
I have done enough work now to not have to put up with it, and nor should you my oddy body babe!
Here are some handy tips on how to set body boundaries this holiday season! 👇 I’ve also recorded a podcast if reading ain’t your jam today!
Asserting Your Right
The first step in setting boundaries is acknowledging your right to do so. It’s always a refreshing reminder that your body is your own & nobody else has the right to comment on it. Standing up for myself isn't rude; it's necessary.
Preparing Responses
Preparing responses in advance to handle remarks about your weight or food choices is handy & practicing them beforehand will be an empowering confidence boost (trust me!) A polite, yet firm response like, "I appreciate your concern, but I'm content with my choices and I would prefer not to discuss my body," can subtly set the boundary. You can always mutter ‘butthole’ under your breath if you feel called, just saying..
Changing The Subject
Easy principle, hard to apply when in the moment, especially with people who can’t seem to read the room cough Uncle Barry cough But, nevertheless, redirect the conversation towards a more positive subject. If someone starts discussing dieting or weight loss, you could steer the conversation towards literally anything else. Netflix, good books, how delicious the lasagne was, the billion dollar diet industry the profits off women hating themselves – literally anything!
Walking Away
In the words of Craig David, we are always reminded that it's perfectly alright to be ‘walking away’. I have no hesitation to remove myself from a situation if someone continues to make inappropriate comments even after I've asked them to stop. I don't owe anyone an explanation, neither do you and your mental health should always come first.
Setting Boundaries With Yourself
Setting boundaries isn't just about others; it's also about you. It's okay for me personally to indulge in holiday treats without guilt, and it's okay to prioritize rest & relaxation over exercise. However, I know it’s only natural that feelings of guilt or shame might come up for me during these times because I haven’t always had a positive relationship with food. I want to acknowledge those feelings & not punish myself for them (like thinking about doubling down on my movement the next day, or swearing off sugar in 2024). This year, I am embracing that holidays are a time for celebration, not self-criticism.
Putting into place these methods are going to help me get through the holidays as a happier human! And not the Grinch I was only a few Christmases ago!
P.S. I am beyond excited to announce that the beta waitlist for my new program, 'A Woman's Worth', is now officially open! 😮 This is an exclusive opportunity to become part of a transformative journey aimed at empowering women 💪 This 9-week journey is designed to help you rediscover your worth, set healthy boundaries, and find liberation within a supportive community of women on the same transformational journey!
With limited spots available, I highly suggest you join the waitlist today to be the first in the know! Your journey to embracing your worth begins here.
