Blog

  • Social Media’s Negative Effects on Body Image – And What We Can Do About It

    Social Media’s Negative Effects on Body Image – And What We Can Do About It

    Have you ever felt bad about your body after scrolling your social media feeds before? Unfortunately, my hunch is that a lot of us would answer ‘yes’ to this question.

    And a new study from WebMD draws the same conclusion, as the findings show women are less likely to be happy with their bodies if they spend more than an hour a day on social media (um, pretty sure that’s all of us). Another recent survey says 80% of women compare themselves to images in the media – most of these comparisons being negative.

    SIGH. I think we can all agree that we’ve scrolled Instagram or seen some type of social media post that made us compare ourselves or not feel good (cue the picture of some cute girl on a beach in her bikini). And it’s important to be conscious of how social media is affecting your thoughts about yourself, and do as much as possible to avoid or help yourself through those negative feelings.

    In hopes of curbing this social media problem (and these findings that make me really sad), here are a few things I want to make a better effort of doing:

    • Sharing more realness. No makeup, no poses, yeah, the real stuff. I’ve always said I wanted to do more of this, and after getting fired up over these findings – it’s happening. The more we’re all showing our real sides and not just the perfect way we want to be depicted on social media, the more normalized that will become. And even if we’re not posting no makeup pictures, being less focused on being so ‘perfect’ in our photos will help too.
    • Scrolling less. Another thing I’ve wanted to curb is my addiction to scrolling. Though it’s part of my job to stay up to date on the latest trends, and I truly do enjoy seeing content out there from friends, etc., there’s got to be a certain limit – which I have to believe will also limit my exposure to these negative effects of social media, right? Trying to set limits (i.e., no phone before bed, take a break from social media for the day, etc.) could really help.
    • Checking ourselves when we start to compare or envy someone. The more we make ourselves aware of this issue, the better. If I’m scrolling aimlessly and not even realizing that I’m starting to think negatively about myself, how am I going to change that negativity? Scrolling less will certainly help, but being aware and really thinking about it next time could help too. You might have a moment where you’re like, ‘Wow this is dumb, why am I comparing myself to this person?’ and it can help you move on.

    Do you have any others? Is this something you’re going to put into practice in your own life? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or email me at thecurveconfessions@gmail.com!

  • The Curve Confessionals: Callie

    The Curve Confessionals: Callie

    About the interview: Throughout my life, my older sister Callie has always been a role model to me in a lot of ways. And when it comes to her body, Callie has always had a certain confidence that I really admire. I can’t think of a time where Callie has not rocked her body and size, no matter what weight she was at. Callie and I are currently roommates in an apartment in Chicago, and over the past year we’ve both made some serious changes to our lifestyles and fitness routines to better our health, which she talks about in our interview. In addition to that, she’s got some great insight on finding confidence and self love. Check it all out in our full interview below!

    CC: What’s YOUR body image story?

    Callie: I’ve honestly been pretty comfortable and confident in my body since I was young. I’ve always been kind of in the middle ground (never the skinniest, or most muscular) but always felt comfortable with my shape and actually have liked it most of the time! I was never the girl who carefully chose what I ate or worked out everyday. I pretty much eat whatever I want and workout when I’m feeling inspired (which is sporadic at best), but it’s something that people in my life have always loved about me; I’m just me, take it or leave it. I’ve definitely gone through some weight fluctuations throughout my life, I got much curvier in college and then dropped some weight after college but have stayed pretty steady (probably thanks to having a little bit of height) and most of my friends and family don’t take a ton of notice because these changes have never been super drastic. It’s been pretty recently (over the last year or so) that I’ve really started to think more about my health/lifestyle and body because I just was not feeling as confident or good about my body as I used to. This really peaked these last few months. I put on some weight, and while most of my friends and family haven’t really noticed (even when I’ve probed) I started to notice some little things…. My clothes were a little tighter than I prefer, I was a little more sluggish and tired than usual and I just felt bigger than I’ve ever been, and this was not the normal fluctuation that I was used to. I started thinking it was just one of my normal little gains but I think part of it is (sadly) that I’m getting older, so it’s more important than ever that I’m conscientious of my health habits because they have way more of an impact on my body now than when I was 20. This is COMPLETELY overwhelming to me because I’ve always been someone that if I wanted to lose 5 pounds, I could do it pretty easily and I never really had to have a “plan” or think about my habits too hard but I knew that I had to commit to making a major change if I wanted to see results this time. Living with Kenzie, I saw the healthy choices she was making and her transformation, and finally had the thought “if she can do it, so can I!” The gym that I was inconsistently going to near my work was doing a “6 week challenge” starting in February with meal plans & workout incentives and, after some consideration, I signed up! This was the kickstart to my lifestyle change… I followed the meal plan pretty closely and was working out 4-5 times per week and believe it or not… I was seeing results! I ended up losing 11 pounds in 6 weeks and felt AMAZING. I fit into clothes that hadn’t fit me for the last year and could see a huge difference in my body and my energy levels. I’ve continued making healthy choices, working out regularly and holding myself accountable and I feel better than ever! It’s been so motivating and just makes me want to keep going!
    CC: Why is body image/self love/self acceptance important to you?
    Callie: Self acceptance and self love are so important to me because I have always been one of those girls who never let my body image get me down. Of course, I’ve had my insecurities, like anyone else, but overall I think I’ve maintained a pretty positive attitude about my body and I’m really proud of that! I think it’s helped me to accept that I will never be the “tiny” girl of the group, I’m just me and there are a lot of things to love about my body!
    CC: What has been your biggest body image struggle (or one you’ve witnessed)?
    Callie: One struggle I’ve had (that I’m just starting to realize) is that whenever I’ve gone on a workout kick in the past, it’s been just to lose weight, look better, fit into my tight jeans—but never for my own health and wellness. I think it’s important to focus on how working out makes you feel physically and mentally and finding the workout that makes you feel at your best.  From witnessing friends and family go through body transformations, that is the ONLY way I’ve seen it work. They find something that inspires them like yoga, Shred415, Orange Theory, Pure Barre or whatever and just make it a part of their routine. That’s something that has always overwhelmed me because I’ve just never been a workout junkie and I never thought I would be. I am, by no means, the person in class lifting the heaviest weights or running the fastest, but I’ve found myself craving workouts. I think it’s important to find a workout that is the best fit for YOU. I’ve found that Shred415 has really been a saving grace for me because it’s a mix of running, lifting and aerobics and the atmosphere is extremely welcoming. In the past, I would have to force myself to get to the gym and only went because I felt like I should… I truly think it’s about finding the workout and atmosphere that makes you feel good and keeps you coming back!
    CC: What’s one thing you’d say to your younger, middle school aged self if you could go back? Or to younger girls today?
    Callie: I would say that there is not ONE beautiful. I think in middle school/high school, girls are just so hyper focused on following the latest trends, being the prettiest, and having the best body… but what the hell does that even mean?? All the women in my life have completely different bodies; some are curvy, while others are athletic and muscular, while others are tall and thin– and I think they’re all beautiful in their own way! As you get older, you learn that everyone is SO different and that’s what makes the world go round.
    CC: What do you do to love your body?
    Callie: I surround myself with people who not only accept me but lift me up. My friends and family have always supported and encouraged me whether it’s through a compliment about my outfit or pushing me to run a marathon, their support gives me so much confidence and their love helps me to love my body. I’ve also continued to play volleyball into adulthood which I really think has helped me to see that even though I’m not in the athletic shape I was in high school… I still got it! That makes me proud of my body and the skills I possess. Another thing that I do to love my body (that I think can be good and bad) is listen to my body. I’m not a natural born runner but I’ve pushed myself in some long distance races. In training and the races, I did what my body was capable of. I never pressured myself to get a certain time or do something my body couldn’t handle. I listen to my body– some days I feel like I could run a half marathon and other days I can barely run a mile, but that’s okay, my body deserves a break sometimes!
  • The Workout (and Positive Mindset) that Changed my Life

    The Workout (and Positive Mindset) that Changed my Life

    “I’m not a runner.”

    This was a phrase I frequently used before, as I opted for elliptical workouts, yoga, spinning, or basically any workout where I could avoid heavy cardio. I’ve always been an athlete, playing competitive volleyball through high school, but I just never loved (or was good at) running.

    But about eight months ago, my entire mentality changed.

    You might see me preaching about it on my social media channels, talking about it, and asking people to come try it. And that’s because I really, truly believe in it and LOVE it (I swear, I am not paid to write this ha). The workout I’m referring to is called Shred415, a workout studio with 60 minute high intensity interval training classes, which alternate between treadmill and floor/weight training (but with different variations/workouts every time).

    Let’s go back to the beginning. My friend Lauren had asked me to go to Shred bunches of times. I was always utterly terrified, but finally mustered up the courage to go. I remember it vividly –  I was scared, and happy to even be running the whole time (very slow, might I add). I made it through, barely.

    A few days later, the Wicker Park studio manager, Julie, reached out to me offering a first-time monthly client membership for a really good deal. Coincidentally, I had also just really committed to my lifestyle change, and Lauren suggested Shred 2-3 times per week as my “kick ass” workout. So it was decided, I was doing it. I signed up for the unlimited month in August of 2017, and truly haven’t looked back since.

    Since then, I’ve been going to Shred 3 times a week (4 if I’m feeling extra ambitious now :)) and I can confidently say I never leave class without a huge smile on my face and major confidence boost. But it took a long time to get there, along with a lot of positivity and hard work.

    One thing that’s really encouraging about Shred is the way you feel comfortable the second you walk in – the instructors and staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming – and once you get into that room, it’s straight up you against you in the mirror. But when I first started going, I was usually a little nervous since I was still getting to know the studio, the workout, the people, and just getting my bearings in a very new setting. I’ve made a conscious effort to try workouts out of my comfort zone or at new studios in the past year, but this was a whole new level of commitment and rigor – so I really appreciated the atmosphere.

    I also like that they give you modifications on the floor, and work you off your own paces on the treadmill, which truly makes it feel like it’s me versus me (not competitive with other people around you). I’ve done a lot of other workout classes, but I’ve never felt more in the zone than I do when I’m at Shred. Trust me, your ass gets kicked every time and you push your limits, but it’s a supportive environment, and one that you find yourself so motivated by every time.

    I started off jogging at best during the treadmill sections, barely making it through class, but really just focused on improving every single time I stepped foot in class. Since going on a regular basis, I’ve upped my speeds, upped my weights on the floor, heavily improved by endurance, and truly feel stronger than I’ve ever felt in my life (honestly even my fit volleyball days, it’s crazy!). If you would have told me I’d feel the way I do now 8 months ago, I would have told you that you’re crazy – but here I am, 50 pounds lighter and running/sprinting every single week. WHAT?!

    There are certainly moments when you feel like there’s no way you can keep going, bump your pace any higher, or finish the rigorous reps you’re doing on the floor – but you just do. And you just keep getting stronger, mentally and physically.

    So what I’m here to tell you is that it IS possible. Even if you feel like you could never do a class like this, don’t consider yourself a runner, or whatever thought is running through your head like it was mine – it’s so far from true. Because let me tell you, our bodies and our minds can do so much more than we even realize – but we have to believe that to see it.

    Choosing to change my life 8 months ago was the best decision I ever made, and Shred has been a huge part of that. A workout class that I never thought I could survive has quickly become my therapy, and a place I can count on to not only push my limits physically and mentally, but also make me feel amazing and more confident.

    If you have any ounce in you of wanting to feel better but not knowing where to start, I promise that you can do it. And that goes for all shapes and sizes, and relates to really anything in your life right now. But let me make it clear: it’s not about hating on yourself that creates change, it’s about loving and believing in yourself enough to really do it, and it’s so freaking worth it.

    I’m so thankful to Shred (shout out to Julie, the amazing Wicker manager) for reaching out for that first month, kicking my butt every week, and being so supportive along the way. Shred has truly become more than just a workout to me, and I’m beyond grateful to get to share my story with you all.

  • Easy Ways to Practice Self-Love – and why it’s So Important

    Easy Ways to Practice Self-Love – and why it’s So Important

    Ah, self-love. Something that the hustle and bustle of our lives – a busy schedule, crazy work week, or stressful situations in our personal lives – can quickly try to ignore or diminish. Well I’m here as your little reminder to take a moment, reflect on how your week (or life) is going, and give yourself some much needed – and deserved – love.

    I’ll get to the ways of how to do that, but I also want to explain why it’s so important to us all. Did you know that self-acceptance could be the key to a happier life? One study says just that, but also that it’s the happy habit that people practice the least. It has SO many benefits – like giving you motivation to reach your health goals, helping with mental health issues, to name just a few of them.

    In the craziness of life, we’ve all just got to find time for ourselves – both physically and mentally. Here are some of my favorite ways you can show yourself some love, starting now:

    • Make a morning mantra. What’s something you can say to yourself every morning that will create a positive mindset for your day? Think about something you want to reinforce to yourself – that you’re beautiful? That you’re worthy? That you’re enough? Whatever you choose, work on repeating it to yourself, either in the morning, or a time in the day that feels right to have that little reminder. Positive self-talk is so huge and is truly important in treating ourselves right, so the more you practice it, the better.
    • Make a list of everything you like about yourself. This may sound insane to you, but really think about it – what do you love about yourself? It can be physical attributes, qualities about yourself, whatever you want – write it down. Reference the list when you’re having a tough time, or make a point to repeat these things out loud to yourself whenever you need to. This list is only going to help you continue to realize and appreciate the amazing things you see in yourself. I’ll admit, I did this a while ago but haven’t reflected on these things in a while – time to revisit my list!
    • Turn off your device for a while. We are constantly connected to our devices – whether it’s checking email, scrolling social media, or texting friends – but we all need and deserve a break sometimes. Give yourself an hour before bed to recharge and be away from the distractions, or turn your phone off while you’re relaxing on the couch tonight. Doing so is only giving you more time to reflect and live in the moment, and may also de-stress you a little without feeling like you are on and connected. We all deserve to give ourselves a break, and it can give you opportunities to do things other than scroll!
    • Keep the right people around you. Self-love can be largely affected by who you’re surrounding yourself with and what you’re tolerating. If you have a friendship or relationship that isn’t serving you positively – whether they’re not treating you right or not making you feel good – get rid of it. The love you surround yourself with can only help build you up, and if you feel like something’s tearing you down, it’s time to reevaluate why you’re fighting so hard for it. It’s about time to realize you deserve better.

    We’ve all had moments where self-love feels like the last thing on our list, but it’s SO important to make room for it in our daily lives. How do you practice self-love, or what tips did you find most helpful? Tell me in the comments, or email me at thecurveconfessions@gmail.com – I’d love to hear from you!

  • The Curve Confessionals: Jenna

    The Curve Confessionals: Jenna

    About the interview: Jenna and I first met as youngsters in middle school, and have grown closer and closer over the years. She’s about as cute as a button, and in our interview honestly shares her own triumphs with being petite and finding confidence. She’s a superb role model to her younger siblings, and shares some incredible thoughts on my questions during our interview. Read on for some major feels and inspo!

    CC: What’s YOUR body image story?

    J: Hmmm… Well I fall into the “petite” category, I was always the smallest in the class, the tiniest baby, still don’t understand what a “percentile” is… you get the point. Growing up I was super sensitive of how short and small I was. I will never forget the day I came home crying in first grade: we learned a fact that the size of your heartis the size of your fist typically. Some kid in class turned to me and said, “Wow yours is pretty small then!” He likely didn’t mean it as an insult. My short-already sensitive about my size- seven-year-old self- took that as he told me “I was a mean person with a small heart.” I was often the butt of a lot of jokes, although most were playful, but I always wanted to be taller. Especially when the sport I chose to stick with was…basketball. Needless to say my basketball career never made it past 7th grade. I am not sure when I finally began to accept my height… Maybe it was the fact that I have been 5’1 since the 7th grade? But I know now it’s nothing I can change. I spend money getting things hemmed and scan shops for petite sections, but being little is what makes me, me.

    CC: Why is body image/self love/self acceptance important to you?

    J: It is important to me for many reasons, one big one is I have a sister who is about to enter high school. When we were growing up, we obviously had the media and some Internet, but with Instagram it creates a whole new realm of fake. Photoshop is real, normal people use it for their pictures to alter their body, not even just celebrities. It creates this completely altered reality that people (like my sister) likely believe to be true.

    CC: What has been your biggest body image struggle (or one you’ve witnessed)?

    J: Finding health and wellness in college- I gained a lot of weight when I went to college, and for me having such a small frame, the weight really showed. I didn’t know at the time that I had gotten bigger and my clothes weren’t fitting–I was pretty much enjoying college and super happy at the time. I don’t regret it for a second because I was having fun, and it taught me the importance of truly taking care of myself on so many levels. I learned I could no longer rely on my metabolism—especially when on an all bagel/pizza/ramen diet.

    CC: What has been your biggest body image victory (or one you’ve witnessed)?

    J: Cleaning my act up in college, being active and finding work outs I enjoy doing—not to lose weight, but because I genuinely enjoy doing them.

    CC: Have you always loved your body? How do you keep that confidence?

    J: To be honest I don’t think I have ever “loved” my body. I have never disliked it, but I want to be at a point where I love my body because I worked for it.

    CC: If you haven’t, how have you worked to get there?

    J: I am my happiest self when I am working out and eating healthy. I am not someone that works out 7, or even 5 days a week—I don’t think I’ll ever be, at least not in the near future. I love cooking in general, especially healthy meals, and how I feel afterwards makes me genuinely so happy. I strive to do both more and more—in my photo here I had worked out and cooked healthy meals for a while leading up to that family vacation. I felt so ready for my bikini pictures, and loved how confident my sister was, too.

    CC: Do you compare yourself to other girls a lot/feel pressure to look a certain way at times? Why do you think you do?

    J: I don’t think I feel pressure to look a certain way now, but I’ll certainly look at things girls wear on instagram like friends or bloggers I follow, and find myself wishing I could wear something like they’re wearing. I simply wouldn’t wear what they were because I know I would not look “as good as” them.

    CC: What’s one thing you’d say to your younger, middle school aged self if you could go back? Or to younger girls today?

    J: Be confident- I am working on my confidence every day. If it would have started a younger age… I can’t help but to think how much more confident I would be now. Don’t be afraid to wear clothes different than your friends, play sports different than your friends, etc. Do YOU. Also, not everyone has a thigh gap, it’s simply just how people were made. Oh, and one more thing. Weight is a number-it’s about how your clothes fit, and most importantly how you feel. Don’t ever compare your weight to somebody else’s. It’s a waste of time–you and someone else’s body frame are incomparable!