While the holiday season can be filled with joy and excitement, it can also present body image anxiety, discomfort, and guilt. During this season, body talk is rampant, focus on food has increased, and there is a rise in social pressures to have “the best holiday ever!”. Here are 5 ways that can hopefully help you navigate the body image holiday stressors and anxiety triggers:

5 Tips for Body Image Anxiety From A Therapist

Image of a woman in an orange tank hugging herself. Representing personal mantras are taught in anxiety therapy. You can get body image anxiety help in Colorado Springs, CO.Utilize mantras

A mantra is a word or phrase you can repeat to yourself to help release your mind. It can help to increase awareness, reduce stress, increase self-compassion, and give you a more positive outlook. Try to think of some body image mantras that are helpful for you! Some ideas can be:

Create & Practice Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries protect a person’s personal or mental space. This holiday season, focus on placing healthy emotional boundaries with friends and loved ones. Try expressing your needs and wants to them or redirect the conversation entirely. Some ideas can be:

  • I’m trying to focus on other things besides weight this season. It’s great to see you though! How’s your dog doing?
  • I feel uncomfortable talking about weight and food choices. I would like to talk about something else.

Prepare and choose a safety person during gatherings

Image of two peope holding hands. Representing a safety person that can make dealing with body image anxiety easier. You can also get help in anxiety treatment in Colorado Springs, CO.

A safety person is someone you know who will support you and also shares similar values to you. Sometimes we can’t avoid the body image talk that will ensue at holiday and family gatherings. That one uncle just can’t stop himself from commenting on your and everyone else’s body. If you don’t feel ready to enact your own emotional boundaries, ask a safety person to help you navigate these situations. You can figure out different signals such as:

  • “Save me” sign to signal you need to step away from this conversation. Your safety person can say, “Hey, I need them to help me with this appetizer”.
  • “Come here” sign to signal you need help redirecting the conversation. Your safety person can say, “Hey Uncle Jimmy, how was your vacation in Hawaii this year?”

Wear comfy clothes

If you’re very aware of your body this holiday season, wearing something that is tight and uncomfortable is the last sensation you want. This can lead to heightened negative emotions. Try changing into some clothes you feel physically comfortable in! If you have clothes that don’t work for that holiday party you are invited to, you can try to go shopping for something that feels comfortable and makes you feel confident! And remember, the tag size doesn’t define your worth.

Shift your focus away from body image anxiety

This is the holiday season after all! Think about what this holiday means to you. Reminisce with your loved ones on all the special moments you have had together and will have this holiday season. Exploring and practicing gratitude has been shown to improve our mental health. You can try writing out different things you are grateful for each day this holiday season. You can even make it into a nightly routine with your family where everyone around the table says something they are grateful for.

Image of "I am grateful for" written in a journal. Representing something you can do to address body image anxiety in Colorado Springs, CO. This holiday season we can help you feel more comfortable with anxiety treatment.

This holiday season doesn’t have to be a minefield. With a little planning and intention, you can make this time more comfortable for you. Be gentle with yourself and remember that you are incredibly strong for facing your body image anxiety. I wish you a happy and less anxiety-filled holiday season.

Start Anxiety Treatment for Body Image Anxiety in Colorado Springs, CO

These five tips can help make the holidays easier but you do not have to go through it alone. Our anxiety therapists are here to help you address the source of your body image anxiety. With therapy for anxiety treatment, you can learn the coping skills needed to address your anxiousness head-on. In order to get started follow these steps:

  1. Reach out for a free consultation
  2. Schedule your first appointment at Solace Solutions
  3. Start living with more joy and excitement

Other Therapy Services We Offer in Colorado Springs, CO

Our caring therapists offer a variety of holistic therapy services for you and your family. This includes individual therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy. As a part of individual therapy, we provide specialized support for anxiety, depression, and trauma. These services are available for both adults and teenagers.

If you do not live near Colorado Springs but live in Colorado we can still support you through online therapy.

About the Author, A Colorado Springs Anxiety Therapist

Erica Aispuro Regan, LPC has over 6 years of counseling experience. She specializes in helping those with anxiety, body image issues, eating disorders, and self-esteem issues. Erica takes a warm, empathetic, respectful, and creative approach to anxiety treatment. You can find more articles from Erica and other members of Solace Solutions here.