This ones a serious one. I’m going to make a statement and say, this is the biggest issue right now. Especially with social media the way it is. Body Image.
In the performing arts industry, as much as we like to say it has changed, it is all about image.
Your look. At least that's what it feels like to us. There is a lot of pressure on us to have our own ‘look’. A significant ‘look’ to be remembered by. I don’t have a look that is particularly striking or memorable. I just look like me. That should be enough. It IS enough! As much as we try and tell ourselves this, those little demon insecurities creep in and steal our body confidence away from us. These insecurities are somewhat caused by the image society has decided is the “perfect body”.
When it comes to our physical appearance and shape, there is so much pressure now. And it is not only in the performing arts industry, it is now everywhere we look.
This gym bunny and healthy lifestyle trend is definitely making people so much more aware of their physical HEALTH. The hashtag ‘Healthfam’ is one of my favourites. It promotes healthy living and healthy exercise which is changing how people live their lives for the better.
But we are all being swayed towards having a certain body image. And me personally? I’m very feckin’ confused.
What am I?? What am I supposed to be? There has been times I’ve become obsessed with the gym and totally deprived myself of so many things. At birthdays I would refuse to eat cake. If my family were having a take away night I would cook my own dinner because god forbid I had a chip dipped in curry sauce. I was miserable. If I did let myself have a treat, I would spend that night or the next day, feeling my stomach and my thighs and looking at myself in the mirror, paranoid that I had set myself back. I’m skinny but I need to be strong not skinny… no.. I need to be skinny but fit.. no.. I need to have gains.. I need to have a thigh gap… no I need to have thick thighs because that’s sexier… I don't know what I need to look likeaaaaghg@!!!?!/C.,[in138nz’v `6#%@9!!!ghsasdfaaa!!! I just want a Donut! (my weakness).
I came across this ad the other night and It vexed me to my core! 'A flat tummy in 28 days'.... Stop this!!!
I’m going insane! I cannot find the balance of being healthy, active, physically strong and happy all at once. We have no idea the insecurities that other performers have. It tears me apart that so many women and men do not like their bodies. I want to love my body. I want you to love your body.
For our career, we need to be physically fit, but only so that we can prevent injury and have the stamina and strength to do what is asked of us as performers. Not so I can get likes and validation on instagram. Not so I can have the best body in the room. There’s no such thing. I am part of the health fam.
Mentally and physically.
I follow some fantastic fitness bloggers and influencers who promote healthy exercise and healthy eating for the best quality of life. I am one of those people who love to workout. It helps me so much mentally and emotionally. I love to sweat! And I hate when people bash fitness bloggers/instagrammers. We need to learn to separate what society wants us to look like to what is right for our well being and our mental health.Healthy is sexy. Healthy in general. What we need to realise is, they are not showing us what or who we need to be, or look like. They are promoting a new lifestyle that creates a better quality of life for all.
I touched on it in my last post…. We spend so much time trying to be who we are not, that we lose who we truly are. We need to stop constantly comparing ourselves to our fellow performers, friends and instagram fitness models. Myself included! I am a tyrant for it. At this moment, I am not at my fittest, and normally I would be FREAKING OUT because I’m not as trim or fit as I can be. But instead, I am maintaining my healthy eating and getting as much sleep and rest as I need, after a crazy weekend of all Ireland Finals (Up the Dubs) and a lot of groovy boogying. I am still learning, and still trying to find the balance. (My balanced diet includes eating donuts whenever I feel like it :) )
From today… Let’s start loving ourselves. Let’s build up our body confidence and enjoy the benefits of eating well and living well. Healthy is beautiful.
Until next time yis’ beauts..
HayJ xo
