Sturdy Girl
Join Jess Heiss, body image and performance coach, for conversations around body image, self-confidence and resilience (both mental and physical). Learn how to stop letting your appearance hold you back from living the big, rad life that you deserve.
Sturdy Girl
64. How to Stop Obsessing Over Your Body (+ Live a Big, Rad Life)
If you’ve ever felt like body thoughts take up way too much of your brain space, this episode is for you.
Body image work isn’t about loving your reflection 24/7 — it’s about learning how to stop obsessing over your body so you can shift your focus back to living the big, rad life you deserve.
In this episode, I break down the four research-backed pillars of positive body image — appreciation, respect, functionality, and embodiment — and show you how body image flexibility is the key to making it all practical in real life.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
- Why obsessing over your body hijacks your mental energy and joy
- The four pillars of positive body image (and how to practice each one)
- How hustle culture and “just be disciplined” can actually keep you stuck
- A simple ABCD framework to catch obsessive thoughts before they spiral
- Why the ultimate goal isn’t to think about your body more — it’s to think about it less
Research mentioned:
- Tylka, T. L., & Wood-Barcalow, N. L. (2015). What is and what is not positive body image? Body Image Journal
- Alleva, J. M., & Tylka, T. L. (2021). Body functionality: A review of the evidence. Body Image Journal
- Piran, N. (2017). Embodying the mind, embodying the world: An integrated model of embodiment. Body Image Journal
- Sandoz, E. K., et al. (2013). Body image flexibility and ACT. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science
Let’s connect:
✨ Want support in building a sturdier body image and mindset? Learn more about 1:1 coaching with me
.
So, hit subscribe and we'll chat on Friday.
Join the Sturdy Girl community on Instagram HERE.
Connect with Jess HERE.
Stay Sturdy, friends.
Podcasts we love
Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.
Hurdle
iHeartPodcastsAli on the Run Show
Ali Feller
The Hybrid Lab with Dr. Alyssa Olenick
Dr. Alyssa Olenick
Science Vs
Spotify Studios
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Mel Robbins
Unbiased Science
@unbiasedscipod