When we look at our bodies in the mirror, there should always be an underlying realization that they are completely ours. Forming an intimate relationship with our bodies is one of the strongest acts of love, especially as Black women, who have to deal with several societal hurdles that convince us that we are not enough. The fight against misogynoir isn't recent. The biggest ways Black women can take control of the narrative are by owning the stories of our bodies through body positivity, genuine self-expression of our inherent beauty, and complete trust in unapologetic guides on body confidence.

Body positivity is a movement that aims to counteract the societal pressures that promote unrealistic beauty standards. The lady out there who thinks she can't wear a swimsuit because of her bulging stomach, the new mother getting familiar with her new body, and the woman whose body keeps changing as a result of hormonal conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS. Society tends to not care about the realities of Black women's lives, instead it forces unrealistic measures that meeting up with requires sacrificing a crucial sense of self. 

Here are proven and trusted ways for Black women to remain confident in our bodies.

1. Embrace media and brands that champion body confidence 

Many brands focus on profiting from Black women's insecurities by projecting the narrative of an unrealistic body through filters, airbrushing, and other editing techniques, and the media doesn't help by its relentless portrayal of womanhood in a monolithic way that doesn't acknowledge lived nuances as well. However, there are brands dedicated to developing Black women, which includes portraying them in realistic ways. We had a conversation with Tosin, a 25-year-old black woman, about body positivity and finding the perfect swimwear for her body.

      “I rarely see my body type in the media and by brands. I wanted to start embracing my body (bulging stomach, flabby arms) but whenever I looked for swimwear that flatters me, I rarely came across models who looked like me. Then I found Yemzi and immediately felt seen. Their swimwear isn't only beautiful; the women wearing them are real. They looked like me. Seeing this made me feel good about myself and my body. I’m no longer reluctant about showing my body because I know there are women out there like me. Flaunting my body in Yemzi is what I can picture for unapologetic confidence.”

As Black women, when we have access to brands that uplift us, it nurtures our delicate sense of self and being. 

 

2. Engaging in activities that produce dopamine for increased self-love and body confidence

 

The fitness and weight loss culture has taken over exercise and what it means to be active. However, there are countless joyful ways to move your body that don't hinge on losing weight and the emotional stress that tends to come with it. These activities prioritize your well-being and naturally boost feelings of self-love and body confidence: 

• Jogging with music: Let the rhythm guide you and elevate your mood. 
• Taking long walks: Enjoy the sunlight and breeze. Connect with nature and your presence.
• Reformer Pilates that focus on the core: Build strength and awareness from within. Appreciate your body’s capabilities in convenient apparels that allow your body to be free. 
• Cultivating a healthy relationship with food: Fuel your body with kindness and intention. Enjoy nourishment without guilt. 

When we approach physical activities with the purpose of building our bodies through joyful movement, this positive mindset naturally crosses over into how we see our bodies as well. The joy of being active lies in the movement, not solely in a specific outcome. And your activewear plays a role too! At Yemzi, our activewear isn't just beautiful, it's designed for unparalleled comfort, ensuring it never interferes with your freedom of movement. What's more, our pieces are size-inclusive and flattering, designed for every body. In Yemzi activewear, every body is a body deserving of comfort and confidence.

3. Reflective Journaling That Measures Growth And Places Body Confidence in Close Perspective 

In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens, the simple act of taking a pen to write in a journal can be a profound practice for cultivating mindfulness and self-awareness. The reflections of a journal session can help measure areas of growth and strength, bringing body confidence to a sharper focus. Also when feelings are written, they are easier to process. 

This practice is especially potent for Black women who navigate unique pressure on their body image. Journalling can be a powerful tool of affirming your inherent beauty and strength. Consider this: slipping into your Yemzi comfortable activewear just before a workout or a moment of calm, opening your journal, writing affirmations about your body, and focusing on gratitude for its capabilities, beauty and resilience. This ritual is a reliable way to nurture body positivity and deepen self-love. It's about celebrating your journey, one heartfelt entry at a time. 

As Black women, it is important for us to keep owning ourselves and building our narratives, especially in spite of a society that's hell bent on undermining us. Achieving a positive body image is a crucial step in this lifelong journey of self-love and empowerment. By engaging with brands like Yemzi, we are declaring that it isn't just about how we look, but also how we feel, where we belong, and the legacy of empowerment we are creating for ourselves. 

Love,

Team Yemzi.