It’s a tale as old as time: you’re going about your morning feeling a little off about your body image, and then you find yourself in front of your closet with nothing to wear. No, you’re not looking at a closet full of empty hangers, but it feels like you might as well be. In your mind, nothing fits, nothing clicks, and you hate all your clothes.
We’ve all been there before, but knowing that doesn’t make getting dressed any less of a struggle when you’re having a hard body image day. In this post, I’ll offer some actionable tips to help you first, just get out the door when your body image is stressing you out and second, address some of the underlying issues that could be causing these feelings.
Part 1: Get Dressed
When body image is making it hard to get dressed, it can feel like there’s absolutely nothing in your closet that works. Nothing clicks and you hate all your clothes. The mounting anxiety that comes with this sense of dread could feel stifling, but there’s a way out.
A bad body image day isn’t exactly the best time to try out a new fashion trend or take a risk with your wardrobe. Those pants that sometimes fit but sometimes don’t? (Why do we all have that one item that we keep *hoping* will one day be just right, but never is?) Maybe don’t plan on wearing them today. You can’t guarantee how you’ll feel in all your clothes, but there are some items of clothing that you know will test your limits of safety, security, and mental groundedness. If you have those kinds of items in your closet, think of this: you don’t have to play with fire to know you’re going to get burnt. Instead of doing the “will they/won’t they fit” dance, opt for clothes you know will be the least disruptive. That means having some go-to items for comfort, fit, and simplicity.
Step 1: Take a deep breath. Acknowledge that today is feeling hard. You don’t have to get to the root of “why” right this moment. Acknowledging and offering yourself compassion can help lower the stakes and help you to get out the door.
Step 2: Backtrack. Look for an outfit that you recently felt good in. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time you get dressed. Lizzie McGuire was an outfit repeater and you can be too. In the long-term, maybe you stock up on some items that can become your go-tos for days like this. In the short-term, it offers you an outfit you already know you like and feel comfortable wearing.
Step 3: Go to your creature comforts. If you were to wear shoes a size too small, you’d think about your feet all day. Wearing clothes that pull or feel tight will likely increase your body thoughts and discomfort. Choose clothes that feel comfortable. Avoid anything that’s pinching, tugging, or hugging you in areas that will make you feel self-conscious.
Step 4: Focus on staying present. This is a tough one, but it’s probably the most important element of all. What can you wear that will be the least distracting for you? I don’t mean avoiding sequins or bright colors. I’m talking about the clothes themselves. What will help you stay in the moment and engage in whatever activity you’re participating in?
These are the steps I recommend for when getting dressed feels like an insurmountable task. Use them to talk yourself down, get dressed, and get out the door. Once you’ve done that, you can start to think about the bigger picture, which includes the underlying issues that come with the body image struggles you may be having. That’s where Part 2 comes in.
Part 2: Address the Rest
Now that you got dressed, it’s time to address the rest… we’re talking about what’s really behind your wardrobe woes. Sure, it could be the case that your style has changed, or you’re figuring out how to dress for your current body in this season of life, or you might be navigating some hard body image challenges.
About Body Image
At the crux of body image is how we perceive our bodies and ourselves. It’s not about how your body looks, per se, but rather how you feel about your body. Body image is influenced by so many factors including your internal beliefs, perceptions, thoughts, and emotions about your appearance as well as how it feels for you to move through the world in your body. Oftentimes, these are shaped by the (unrealistic – but impactful) beauty standards society has been pumping out for generations.
Think about it: do you feel a certain way about your body because that’s honestly how you feel or because society has told you to feel that way? Because of a past experience where someone has made comments on your body? Watching loved ones or friends go to great lengths to change their bodies? We’ve been so conditioned to believe a narrative of narrow beauty standards that it can even be hard to distinguish our own internal thoughts from those spewed out by the media.
If body image has been a source of anxiety for you either in the past or in the present, The Wellful can help. Our approach to body image comes from a place of compassion, understanding, and logic. We’re committed to shutting down diet culture and replacing the negative chatter that has clouded your mind with a more helpful, truthful conversation.
Your Own History
Another component of addressing the underlying issues related to body image is your personal history. Whether you grew up in a household that glorified unrealistic body standards or have been exposed to generational dieting, the reality is that many of us have some things to unpack when it comes to how we feel about ourselves. Constant dissatisfaction with your appearance and repeated attempts to change the shape and/or size of your body may be indicative of larger issues like eating disorders. If you have found yourself paralyzed in front of your closet or bursting out into tears when it’s time to get dressed, please know that it doesn’t have to be this way. Help exists and it may come in the form of nutrition therapy from The Wellful.
Navigating body and weight changes. Something very important to remember about clothing sizes is that every retailer’s sizing is a little bit different. A size in one designer or brand could be 2 sizes up in another, and a size down for yet another. Fabric, material, and the designer’s own perspective all influence clothing size. Although it’s hard, try not to get too hung up on the size. Just as the number on the scale doesn’t tell the whole story, neither does the size of your t-shirt. Remember, the most important thing is to be kind to yourself and your body.
Rebuilding Your Relationship With Your Body
Navigating body and weight changes is challenging. That’s why The Wellful is here to help. We understand the complicated relationship many people have with body image and clothing. We have seen first-hand how damaging diet culture messaging and unrealistic beauty standards can negatively impact self-esteem. That is why we take a non-diet, compassionate approach focused on nourishing both your body and soul.
In our welcoming community, you will find validation and support on your journey with body image. We’ll help let go of restrictive eating, feelings of shame or guilt, and the false narrative that you need to change your body. You don’t; you are worthy and whole exactly as you are. Our work together will show you how to care for, appreciate, and respect the body you live in right now, at any shape or size. With our evidence-based nutrition therapy and nutrition counseling, we help eliminate the confusion around conflicting health advice.
As you spend less time worrying about calories, scales and tape measures, you will find more mental space to show up for yourself. That means space to pursue your passions, prioritize self-care, and live in a way that’s authentic to you.
If you are ready to start building a better relationship with your body image, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with Brenna, RD today. Contact us at 925-725-2761 and you might just find that getting dressed is a little bit easier.
