Why Body Neutrality Rocks & 6 Ways To Practice It 

Body neutrality rocks, and it’s a game-changing mindset that can help us all improve our body image when being “body positive” feels a little too hard.

In this blog post, you’ll talk about the body positivity spectrum, why you need to try body neutrality, and six body neutrality exercises you can start right now on your journey toward healing your body image. 

The Body Positivity Spectrum

“I love my thighs and booty—cellulite and all! They’re beautiful.”

OR

“I appreciate my thighs and booty because they let me lift, move, and experience the world.”

See the difference?

The first is rooted in body positivity, a movement that celebrates all bodies, in all their diversity. It challenges society’s narrow beauty standards, ones that have forever favored whiteness, thinness, and able-bodiedness—by embracing the beauty of every shape & size.

Think of it as a spectrum. On one end, there’s body dislike—even hate. In the middle? is body neutrality, where instead of focusing on how your body looks, you appreciate what it does for you. And on the far end, there’s full-on body love.

But body positivity isn’t the only way to shift your relationship with your body.

Most of us move along this spectrum throughout our lives. And honestly? That’s okay.

Some people spend so much time fighting their bodies, obsessing over changing, shrinking, or “fixing” them—that they forget to actually live. That’s exhausting.

On the other end of the spectrum is body positivity, but let’s be real, it’s not always accessible to everyone.

Loving & accepting your body is a lifelong journey, shaped by personal experiences, challenges, and opportunities. And for many people, reaching full-on body love can feel nearly impossible after years—sometimes decades—of fighting against their reflection.

And that’s okay.

Body positivity isn’t the only way. And if you’re not there (or don’t want to be), that doesn’t make you a bad person. That’s just toxic positivity talking. Likewise, if you are in a place of body love, that’s beautiful too.

What does matter? Accepting where you are, without judgment or shame. Because that’s the only way to move forward, grow, and find real peace with yourself.

What Is Body Neutrality?

I’m going to remind you of sentence two from the beginning of this post: “I appreciate my thighs and booty because they let me lift, move, and experience the world.”

That sentence centers on the true functionality & purpose of the thigh… In a way, it humanizes your body and focuses on praising it for what it allows you to do. “I love my arms because they let me hug my nieces and nephews,” “I appreciate that my nose lets me experience the sense of smell,” or, “I love the feeling of grass against my sand in my back yard,” are all examples of body neutrality. 

Body neutrality was first coined in 2015 by author Anne Poirier in her book, “The Body Joyful,” after the previously mentioned body positivity movement received some negative backlash. At its core, body neutrality promotes and discusses accepting & appreciating your body for the non-physical properties instead of the physical. It aims to unlink self-worth with physical appearance.

The word ‘neutral’ is key. Being neutral towards your body means removing the expectation that every day you “have to” love yourself. Or that you “should” feel comfortable and happy in your body every day. Body neutrality focuses on meeting your body where it’s at, accepting it for all that is and does, while encouraging you to cultivate a feeling of gratitude for its abilities.

Why Body Neutrality Rocks!

Body neutrality rocks for many reasons!

Firstly, it helps us take better care of our bodies. With more awareness of all the things our bodies do for us, we are more likely to give them food, rest, and activity. When we physically feel good, it’s easier to think more positive thoughts about our bodies!

Body neutrality helps us to heal. When we’re stuck in a cycle of self-judgment based on appearance, shifting the focus away from appearance toward utility can give some of the more disarming & difficult emotions around our bodies time to settle.

Body neutrality is easier than body positivity. Nobody’s asking you to scream to yourself in the mirror: “I have a sexy bod” or “I love my *insert the body parts you struggle with most, (usually arms or tummy)*” 

Body neutrality is a starting place for people who aren’t quite ready yet to love the way their body looks. It’s an amazing tool for people who don’t feel at home in their bodies such as people overcoming illness or surgery, or who are living with, overcoming, or have suffered from eating disorders.

Body neutrality rocks because it takes away a lot of pressure & empowers you to value it for what it does, rather than force yourself to love the way it looks.

Body Positivity VS Body Neutrality: Is One Better for Body Image? 

Nope!

They both have interesting takes on loving and appreciating the body we are in, but neither “wins.”

What wins is whatever one feels best for you on your journey to understanding the complicated relationship we have with our bodies. Remember, when it comes to body positivity, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with loving your body. 

You will realize through this process that subconsciously, you hold on to little indignities about body image that have been passed to you, experienced, witnessed, and learned since you were a child. Every dig about weight gain or weight loss, every unrealistic body in the media, every joke about bodies, discussions about valuing certain bodies over others – they have a way of sticking with us and helping to form our opinions of ourselves. 

If you are feeling exhausted with the journey, take a step back, try body neutrality, and see where it takes you. 

Body Neutrality Exercises

Curious now how to practice body neutrality. If you know me, you know I am a HUGE advocate for mindfulness. I meditate and do mantras & affirmations in my personal life regularly, and in every body positive boudoir photoshoot, we start with a grounding, mindful meditation together. If you want to learn more about practices I like to use in photoshoots read What Is a Body Positivity Photoshoot? 

When you’re patient & polite to your body, you give it rest, compassion, nutrition, movement, and laughter, then, you become aware of what it does in return to you, and just how well it functions. 

Feed your body right

Fill your plate with fresh, whole food that provides nutritious fulfillment, but that you also enjoy the taste of. Try not to shy away from enjoying desserts instead of denying them. Try finding new, exciting recipes from different cuisines so you can challenge yourself in the kitchen and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Listen to what your body is telling you

Movement & exercise are important, and it should be something you look forward to! It shouldn’t be a form of punishment that you dread. On days you feel drained, opt for a warming nap or resting, without feeling guilty. 

Prioritize sleep

Most people struggle with getting the recommended eight hours of sleep every single night, which is a shame because sleeping helps our bodies to heal & rejuvenate. Make it a habit to dim the lights at 9 pm, igniting the natural sleep hormone melatonin, and ditch technology for a book so that you can get tucked into bed for a full night’s sleep.

Reframe your thoughts

The next time you find your mind sliding back to negative thinking about your body, try to bring your thoughts back and invite a positive change. “I am so glad I can go hiking with my legs,” “I love that my arms are strong enough to lift my children,” “I appreciate my tongue and lips because they allow me to taste coffee,” etc. You may wish to read my blog on 30 Journal Prompts for Body Image for further inspiration!

Dress in outfits you love

No, it’s not vain! Outfits that showcase your personality allow you to express yourself. Opt for something more comfortable on days you aren’t feeling it, but don’t shy away from dressing up on days you are, and don’t be shy to be bold! 

Remind yourself it takes time

Like anything, there will be days you don’t feel good. It will take time to develop new, positive habits. Be easy on yourself! 

“It’s All About The Journey, Not The Destination”

We’ve all heard that saying before, right?! While it might be a little cheesy (okay, a lot) , it does have merit while talking about body image.

If we can adopt new practices that take the load off & make the trip a little easier, we should lean into that. It’s time to meet ourselves where we are – wherever that is – and appreciate our bodies for all they do for us.  What is your favorite thing your body does for you every day? 

When youre ready to take a huge leap in your journey, sign up for your body-positive boudoir photography shoot today!