A podcast for young female soccer players and the adults who support their dreams.
Show Notes:
Caroline Christian, eating disorder therapist and female body image educator, teaches us the truth about body image - that we all have insecurities!
As we all know athletics can have a negative and/or positive impacts on our body image and that this is particularly challenging to navigate as young females athletes. Throughout this episode Caroline provides invaluable support, helping them realize that the challenges of the tween and teen years—marked by rapid bodily changes that often consequently impact both athletic performance and body confidence— are universal experiences and they are not experiencing this rollercoaster alone.
She guides listeners to explore radical acceptance, celebrate body diversity and practice positive self-talk, as ways to navigate how they feel about their changing bodies and insecurities.
Do you have questions about the profound effects media (social and general) platforms and content can have on shaping the perceptions and ideals of the athletic and female body? Being an expert in guiding young women through the journey of building a positive body image, Caroline of course touches on their influence both positive and negative.
And, most importantly she helps us - coaches, players and parents - recognize that we can all have a part in building a healthy culture around body image and our health and well-being. So let’s do this together - Scroll to the bottom for Caroline’s recommended resources and team activities.
I hope you enjoy!
Yours in soccer and health,
JulieAnne and Elizabeth
Be sure to check out the photos below and follow us on Instagram @shedreamsingoals and for more information visit us at www.shedreamsingoals.com.
Thanks Caroline!!!
Caroline’s Activities for Friends or Teammates To Build Better Body Image Together
Make a “negative talk jar.” Anytime you hear someone say something negative about themselves or someone else, they have to put a dollar in the jar. Use the money for something that makes you feel good.
Leave notes in your friends lockers/folders telling them what you like about them
Eat snacks and meals together when you can. Pay attention to the conversation, laughter, good food, and let yourself enjoy being together with good people.
Have a spa night where you focus on taking care of your body and treating it kindly.
Do stuff you are bad at together. Sometimes we can get caught up in trying to be perfect. Take your friends to play a new sport for the first time or try a Bob Ross painting tutorial. Practice not taking yourself too seriously.
Make posters about body image empowerment and hang them on your lockers/walls
Use social media to empower each other. Make a pact to not retouch your pictures, post pictures where you feel goofy or less than perfect, post positive comments on other’s posts.
Write a chant/song/mantra that makes you feel strong, excited, and connected to your group. Use it before games and hard practices to get pumped up
Have a photoshoot or fashion show where you dress up in fun, funny, or extravagant outfits and gas each other up
Practice doing things you avoid because of body image concerns. If you are avoiding the pool because you are worried to wear a swimsuit, ask some of your good friends to go with you for accountability. Pay attention to how it feels when you challenge body image fears, and if your fears actually come true.
Call out negative body talk when you hear it. You can even come up with a code word/phrase with your friends to shut it down.
Do a body positive book club. Pick a book that is about body image, girl empowerment, or body acceptance. Be vulnerable with your friends about how it felt to read about this topic.
Compliment your friends. Tell them why you like them or what you admire about them – we aren’t friends with our friends because they have a certain body type, we usually are friends with people because they are nice, funny, warm, trustworthy, etc.
Do mindful movement together. Rather than exercising to change your body, set helpful goals for moving your body. For example, I want to get stronger, I want to spend time with friends, I want to be able to run faster during games, I want to feel connected with my body. Exercise doesn’t have to be rigorous- try yoga, walking, dancing, or whatever sounds fun.
Create accountability with your friends. Set a goal together (e.g., I am going to treat my body kindly, even if I don’t love it this week), and encourage each other. You can even plan a celebration at the end of the week for your hard work.
Caroline’s Recommended Resources
The Body Image Book for Girls
How I Look Journal
Empowered Girls: Activities and Affirmations for Empowering Strong, Confident Girls
Real Gorgeous - The Truth about Body and Beauty
The Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens: A Non-Diet, Body Positive Approach to
Building a Healthy Relationship with Food
No Weigh!
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