Body neutrality might not be in the mainstream consciousness yet, but the movement is gaining traction on Instagram (with over 145,000 tagged posts) and among female celebrities, including singer and rapper Lizzo (pictured).

“Imagine just not thinking about your body. You’re not hating it. You’re not loving it. You’re just a floating head. I’m a floating head wandering through the world,” said actress Jameela Jamil in a 2019 Glamour interview.

Taylor Swift, who has been through her share of body scrutiny, voiced her support for the movement during a radio interview that same year: “We have amazing women out there like Jameela saying, ‘I’m not trying to spread body positivity. I’m trying to spread body neutrality where I can sit here and not think about what my body is looking like.”

That’s not to say that the body positivity movement is bad, or wrong. You can love your body – but it has to come from a place of authenticity. For anyone who might be struggling with body image issues, this focus on positivity can be toxic, and end up making you feel even more disempowered.

Considering that we’re still dealing with the pandemic – and all of the stressors of a new normal that might affect our bodies and appearances – body neutrality seems like a good middle ground to settle into.

Here are some ways to practise body neutrality:

1. Observe your body without making any judgements.

2. Acknowledge when you don’t feel good about your body, but don’t put yourself down for it.

3. Remind yourself that your appearance doesn’t determine your worth.

4. Focus on what your body can achieve, and celebrate that.

A version of this article first appeared in Her World