How to nurture your relationship with your body after a cancer diagnosis
Living with breast cancer can be a challenging experience, impacting not only your physical health but also your emotional well being. As an oncology dietitian with expertise in cancer nutrition, breast cancer and body image, I understand the importance of addressing not just the nutritional needs but also the mental and emotional aspects of recovery. One critical aspect that often bears the weight of this journey is body image—an issue impacting more than 80% of breast cancer survivors. Despite its prevalence, the intersection between body image and breast cancer is often not discussed.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can bring about significant changes in your body. Surgeries, treatments, and alterations in appearance can sometimes lead to feelings of self-consciousness and negatively impact body image. However, it's important to remember that your body has carried you through so many of life’s ups and downs, and it is absolutely worthy of love and kindness. You deserve to be at peace with your body. Individual support with an oncology dietitian can be a powerful tool in mending your relationship with your body. However, I want to provide you with a starting point for things you can do at home. Here are my top six tips to boost your body image.
Top 6 Tips to Boost Your Body Image:
Speak Kindly to Yourself
Remind yourself daily that your body deserves love and respect. Use nurturing language when talking about your body. Acknowledge its strength and resilience, focusing on the positive aspects rather than dwelling on perceived imperfections. Incorporating cancer nutrition into your self-talk can enhance your overall well-being.
Embrace Size Diversity and Celebrate Your Uniqueness
Take notice of the wonderfully diverse human body shapes and sizes around you. Recognize that size diversity is normal, and there is no one "ideal" body. Celebrate the uniqueness of every individual, and remember that your body, nourished by cancer nutrition practices, is a testament to your journey and strength.
Accept Your Body as It Is
Know that your body is good, right now, regardless of how it looks. Acceptance doesn't mean complacency; it means acknowledging and appreciating your body for what it is today. Embrace the changes and focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Curate a Positive Social Media Environment
Be mindful of the content you consume on social media. Following body-positive accounts and communities can significantly boost your body image. Surround yourself with messages that promote self-love, acceptance, and celebrate diverse bodies. Unfollow accounts that trigger negative feelings or unrealistic standards.
Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Good
Dressing in comfortable, well-fitting clothes can have a profound impact on your body image. Choose outfits that make you feel confident and at ease. Embrace your personal style and celebrate your unique fashion preferences, ensuring that your wardrobe reflects the comfort and self-assurance you deserve. Support clothing brands that celebrate size diversity as well!
Choose Health Professionals Who Respect Your Body
Surround yourself with a healthcare team that respects and values your body. Seek professionals, including your oncology dietitian, who prioritise your mental and emotional well being alongside your physical health. Open communication with your healthcare providers is crucial in building a supportive and empowering partnership. Advocate for what you need and ask your providers to take the focus away from weight, and focus on the things you can control like movement, nutrition, and sleep.
Building a positive relationship with your body is not easy, and it’s certainly not a quick fix. But I hope these tips have helped you to reflect on what your body has done for you and how to start nurturing your body from a place of kindness and respect, rather than from fear and shame. There are so many benefits to having a healthy relationship with your body, when we can care for our bodies in a kind and compassionate way, our bodies can settle in a place that is most comfortable, and your mind can be free from feelings of deprivation and guilt. There are flow on effects to having a healthy body image to our mental and physical health. The research shows particular improvements in self-acceptance, physical activity levels and diet variety, which is all very cool!
I’m here if you’d like more support to build a healthy relationship with food and your body - just hit the Discovery Call button to get started.
And remember, you are not defined by your diagnosis or appearance—your body is a testament to your strength and the incredible journey you have overcome.
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