#20 Be Body Positive: How to Create a Positive Body Mindset in College

Flat stomachs. Chiseled abs. Eating clean. Messages about what our bodies should look like come at us a mile a minute. And college is a time when your relationship to your body can be extra challenging. How many of you feared the “Freshman 15” even before you stepped foot onto campus? Well, how about we “chisel” away some of the negative assumptions we have about how our bodies should look. (See what we did there?)It is *normal* for our body to change shape and size during these four years. And it’s normal to have trouble navigating all the various ways we think about food, health and exercise in a place where kegs are placed right outside of athletic fields. Despite this, many college students are stressing out about body image and nutrition. Campuses not only don’t have barriers to keep out societal standards of “thin ideals” and fatphobia, they are often breeding grounds for body insecurities. In this week’s episode, we speak with a college student who struggled with body image in college and later found support through the body positivity movement.  We then interview Summer Innanen, a body image coach, author and host of the Eat the Rules podcast. She shines a light on the myths and pitfalls of diet culture and discusses how body positivity can lead to a sense of self-worth (among many other things). For a glimpse into the practical tips you’ll get in this episode, you’ll learn*What it means to be more body positive*Steps to take to create a shield against dangerous messages of societal “norms”*The importance of finding a community that supports body positive messages*How and why to make social media cleanses a habitMost college students will struggle with body image issues at some point.  We hope you leave this episode inspired to build a healthier body image to live your best college life. RESOURCES:WebsitesThe Body Positivehttps://thebodypositive.org/our-workSummer Innanenhttps://summerinnanen.com/NeolthStress & Mental Health Supporthttps://www.neolth.com/Podcasts:Eat the Rules Podcast hosted by Summer Innanenhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id886241220From McLean Hospital and the Mindful Things Podcast:The Silent Battle: Men, Body Image and Mental Healthhttps://www.mcleanhospital.org/podcast-silent-battle-men-body-image-and-mental-healthWant to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta:  @collegeisfinepodcastTik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcastEmail: [email protected] is Deadbeats by Rex Banner