Body Image After the Holidays: Embracing Yourself Without the Pressure to Change
The holiday season is over. The decorations are starting to be packed away, many holiday celebrations have passed, and the excitement of the new year is starting to settle into regular life again. But for many of us, there’s a lingering feeling after the holidays: a little more pressure to “bounce back” or “make up for” the variety of delicious foods we’ve enjoyed over the past few weeks. Whether it’s from the extra treats, the comfy holiday clothes, or the pressure of common new year’s resolutions, it’s easy to feel like you need to change something about your body.
The truth is—your body is worthy of love and acceptance exactly as it is, no matter what you enjoyed during the holiday season. Let’s explore how to embrace your body without falling into self-criticism or unrealistic, harmful expectations.
The Scale Doesn’t Define You
After enjoying festive meals, snacks, and drinks, it’s easy to step on a scale and feel upset if the number doesn’t reflect what you expect or want. But the truth is, the scale is just one tiny (often inconsequential) measure of your overall physical being. It doesn’t account for muscle, water retention, or how your body naturally fluctuates (plus, the origins of BMI are rooted in racist / systemic oppressions…but that’s another post for another time).
Instead of obsessing over that number, try focusing on how you *feel*. Are you energized? Are you hydrated? Do you feel strong or ready to move your body? Do you feel assured in and comfortable with yourself? These are the things that really matter, and they’re not really reflected in the number on a scale.
Let Go of the “New Year, New You” Pressure
The whole “new year, new you” mentality can feel pretty scary, especially if you’re already struggling with body image. This idea that you need to drastically change your body in January to be “better” can be draining and harmful.
Instead of focusing on a complete transformation, consider small, sustainable goals that prioritize how you feel rather than how you look. Focus on habits that promote mental and physical well-being—like getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, or simply getting outside for a walk. The best “new you” is one that’s healthy, happy, and kind to yourself.
Celebrate Your Body for What It Does, Not How You Feel It Looks
After a season of celebrating, eating, and (hopefully) relaxing a little more than usual, it’s a great time to shift the focus from how your body looks to what it can do. Your body is strong and capable, no matter what shape it’s in.
Think about the things you enjoy doing—whether it’s dancing, hiking, playing with your kids, or even just taking a walk through the park. Celebrate your body for those moments of movement and joy. When we focus on our body’s abilities rather than its appearance, we can cultivate more appreciation and less pressure.
Wrapping It Up
The holiday season might be over, but that doesn’t mean you have to hit the reset button on your body or your self-worth. Body image concerns after the holidays are so common, and there’s no need to go through it alone. Talk to a friend, a family member, or a therapist if you’re struggling. We all have moments where we feel less-than, but connecting with others and sharing our experiences can make it easier to navigate those emotions. Give yourself permission to ease back into a wellness routine that feels right for you, without the pressure to change yourself or your self-image. Your body is amazing as it is, and you are worthy of love and kindness all year round.
Individual Relationship Therapy Denver, Colorado
If you are interested in exploring how to embrace your body without falling into self-criticism or unrealistic, harmful expectations, our skilled therapists at Authentic Connections Therapy and Wellness can help you feel optimistic and supported while navigating your feelings around body image. Follow the steps below to get started.
1. We encourage you to get to know a little bit about our therapists, their specializations, and their credentials. Get to know our therapists here.
2. If you think individual relationship therapy is for you, reach out to us! You can use our convenient online consultation scheduling here.
3. Begin the exciting journey of easing back into a wellness routine that feels right for you, without the pressure to change yourself or your self-image.
We hope to hear from you soon!
