Project Body Love - podcast cover

Project Body Love

Project Body Love podcast from Women’s Health is a 30 day programme designed to help you improve your relationship with your body. With only 6% of women describing themselves as body confident, it is clear that image concerns and negative body image holds women back from living fuller lives. This November, Women’s Health have set out to change this, with evidence based research, and science backed exercises to help you unpick these negative narratives, hosted by body confidence advocate Jada Sezer. Each 3-5 minute episode will target different societal aspects as to why so many feel the way they do and encourage you to set the right intentions to learn to appreciate the human body. For more helpful and advice please visit womenshealthmag.com/uk/projectbodylove and don’t forget to share your progress with us @womenshealthuk #ProjectBodyLove The functionality-focused exercises in this series are based on the Expand Your Horizon programme, developed and tested by Dr. Jessica Alleva and her colleagues at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The results of Expand Your Horizon have been published in several academic articles, for example: Alleva, J. M., Martijn, C., van Breukelen, G. J. P., Jansen, A., & Karos, K. (2015). Expand Your Horizon: A programme that improves body image and reduces self-objectification by training women to focus on body functionality. Body Image, 15, 81-89. To read more about the Expand Your Horizon programme, and Dr. Alleva’s work, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/jessica.alleva or www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mind-your-body. The interview with Dr. Alleva on Appearance Matters: The Podcast (mentioned in Day 8), can be found at https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-22-exercise-body-image/id1069856498?i=1000394756222. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/projectbodylove
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Episodes

Jada Sezer on silencing her inner critic and the of power of sport on self-esteem

In today’s bonus episode of Project Body Love – the Women’s Health campaign to change the way women feel, think and speak about their bodies – Jada sits down with Women’s Health Features Director Nikki Osman to talk about her own journey to body confidence, how sport has shaped her body image and what she’s learnt from voicing this confidence series. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove http://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Dec 01, 201917 minEp. 31

Day 30: Reflecting on what you've learnt

In the final session of this podcast series, Jada reminds you of all you’ve learnt over the last 30 days, asking you to continue this commitment to becoming a more empowered, mindful you. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 30, 20194 minEp. 30

Day 29: Spreading body love

Today, Jada encourages you to pass on your newfound body love to others. Whether it's through activism or making people aware of their own negative body talk, we'll talk about how you can help those around you. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Stice & Presnell (2007); today’s activity was adapted from The Body Project by Dr Eric Stice & Dr Carolyn Becker (bodyprojectcollaborative.com)

Nov 29, 20195 minEp. 29

Day 28: Compassionate body scan

As an act of gratitude to yourself, this session is a compassionate body scan. Jada guides you through a check-in process with your body, and encourages you to observe how it's feeling physically. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 28, 20198 minEp. 28

Day 27: Mindfulness mirror exercise

In today's session, Jada will guide you through a mirror exercise, helping you to become more compassionate and appreciative of what you can see in the reflection. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Atkinson et al (2014, 2015); today’s activity was adapted from The Mindfulness Mode by Dr Melissa Atkinson and Professor Tracey Wade (researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/melissa-atkinson)

Nov 27, 20196 minEp. 27

Day 26: De-centering thought exercise

In this mindfulness-based session, Jada helps you to change the tone of your inner voice by making conscious changes in the vocal language you use. This simple but effective tool can help you break harmful patterns. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Atkinson et al (2014, 2015); today’s activity was adapted from The Mindfulness Mode by Dr Melissa Atkinson and Professor Tracey Wade (researchportal.bath.ac.uk/en/persons/melissa-atkinson...

Nov 26, 20194 minEp. 26

Day 25: The mindfulness Method that stops negative body image in its tracks

In today’s session, Jada introduces a mindfulness exercise. Reinforcing the idea that these thoughts are just thoughts, this tool will help you to contextualise your negative self talk the next time you become aware of it. https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/episode-15-body-image-and-mindfulness/id1069856498?i=1000379934986 @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Atkinson et al (2014, 2015); today’s activity was adapted from The Mindfuln...

Nov 25, 20195 minEp. 25

Day 24: Body image and exercise

Research suggests that those who have a healthy relationship with exercise tend to have a healthier relationship with their body. With that in mind, today Jada leads you through a movement session. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 24, 20195 minEp. 24

Day 23: Body functionality and our ability to communicate

Your ability to communicate with others is an intrinsic part of what makes you human. In this body functionality session, you’ll learn how valuing your interactions with those around you can shape the way you feel about your body. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Alleva et al (2015); today’s activity was adapted from Expand Your Horizons by Dr Jessica Alleva (maastrichtuniversity.nl/jessica.alleva)

Nov 23, 20195 minEp. 23

Day 22: Embracing self-care

In this episode, Jada talks self-care, and explains why setting up personal routines which allow you to be more mindful of your needs and emotions is so crucial. You will learn why practising self-care can become a way of showing gratitude towards your body. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Alleva et al (2015); today’s activity was adapted from Expand Your Horizons by Dr Jessica Alleva (maastrichtuniversity.nl/jessica.alleva)

Nov 22, 20194 minEp. 22

Day 21: Guided relaxing body scan

Jada asks you to find a quiet and comfortable area to lie down for today’s episode, as she guides you through a muscle relaxing body scan. This will become a tool you can use when you need to de-stress, release tension and mindfully connect with your day ahead. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 21, 20196 minEp. 21

Day 20: The mirror exercise

Jada asks you to get in front of the mirror for today’s episode. This exercise is a powerful learning tool to help you change your body-image narrative. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 20, 20196 minEp. 20

Day 19: Identifying diet chat

In the last of our three-part session on body talk, Jada will teach you how to recognise the dreaded diet chat, which can slip into your conversations without you even realising. With these tips and tricks, you'll learn to stop this harmful talk from impacting your sense of self-worth. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 19, 20196 minEp. 19

Day 18: Embracing positive Body Talk

Today, you'll learn how to become more aware of body talk. Jada will help you to change the way you talk about your body and the bodies of those around you, leading you away from appearance-based compliments and introducing you to non-objectifying alternatives. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 18, 20195 minEp. 18

Day 17: Introducing Body Talk

In this session on body talk, Jada explains how the conversations you have with friends, family and colleagues can have a negative impact on your relationship with your body. You’ll learn how to identify negative body talk and how to employ strategies to stop it in its tracks. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-25-fat-talk-is-not-okay/id1069856498?i=1000406342841 @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Mills & Fuller-Tyszkie...

Nov 17, 20196 minEp. 17

Day 16: Your body’s ability to turn passions into self-expression

Continuing with the theme of body functionality, Jada looks at the body's ability to create something that provides meaning and purpose, whether that’s art, music or a piece of writing. It's time to think about what gets your creative juices flowing. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Alleva et al (2015); today’s activity was adapted from Expand Your Horizons by Dr Jessica Alleva (maastrichtuniversity.nl/jessica.alleva)

Nov 16, 20194 minEp. 16

Day 15: Body functionality and your health

Today we’re returning to the theme of body functionality, only this time, we’re exploring the functions that keep you alive and healthy. Jada reminds you to focus on how your body allows you to exist and grow in the world. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Alleva et al (2015); today’s activity was adapted from Expand Your Horizons by Dr Jessica Alleva (maastrichtuniversity.nl/jessica.alleva)

Nov 15, 20195 minEp. 15

Day 14: A compassionate body scan

For today’s task, Jada will talk you through a compassionate body scan. This exercise will help you to feel more *in* your body, rather than being restricted to just looking *at* it. https://self-compassion.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/bodyscan_cleaned.mp3 @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Albertson, Neff & Dill- Shackleford (2015)

Nov 14, 20196 minEp. 14

Day 13: The power of nature on your mood

In this episode, Jada asks you to make the time – on your commute, lunch break or whenever works for you – to find a green space. You'll learn how to mindfully connect with nature and appreciate the positive and uplifting impact it can have on your mood. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Swami, Barron, Weis & Furnham (2016); Swami, Pickering, Barron & Patel (2018)

Nov 13, 20195 minEp. 13

Day 12: How to curate a positive social feed

Today, Jada talks about how you can take control of your feed, and the content you interact with, to make social media a force for good in your life. Check out Jada's favourite body-positivity accounts below: @megan_rose_lane @julesvonhep @themindmedic @thepsychologymum @bowelbabe @limitless_em @bbcbodypositive @clairesanderson @peterdevito @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 12, 20195 minEp. 12

Day 11: Social media and self-objectification

We’re returning to the topic of comparison culture today, as Jada encourages you to consider your own digital habits and helps you build a routine that better serves your body image. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Holland et al (2016); Slater et al (2019); Slater et al (2017); Cohen et al (2018)

Nov 11, 20196 minEp. 11

Day 10: Body functionality and movement

With research supporting a positive link between exercise and self-esteem, today you will reflect upon your own relationship with exercise, and learn how mindful movement can help you to develop a deeper sense of gratitude for your body. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Alleva et al (2015); today’s activity was adapted from Expand Your Horizons by Dr Jessica Alleva (maastrichtuniversity.nl/jessica.alleva)

Nov 10, 20194 minEp. 10

Day 9: The functions of our senses

Building on the idea of body functionality, this episode looks at developing an awareness of the use of your senses. Jada celebrates sensory experiences and encourages you to think about all that your senses offer you. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Alleva et al (2015); today’s activity was adapted from Expand Your Horizons by Dr Jessica Alleva (maastrichtuniversity.nl/jessica.alleva)

Nov 09, 20194 minEp. 9

Day 8: Introducing body functionality

Today's episode will introduce the concept of body functionality - the acknowledgement of what your body can do, as opposed to how it looks. In this focussed session, Jada reminds you of everything your body does to keep you alive and well – and explains why celebrating these functions can help support a positive body image. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Alleva et al (2015); today’s activity was adapted from Expand Your Horizons ...

Nov 08, 20194 minEp. 8

Day 7: Week 1 meditation session

It's the end of your first week with Project Body Love. Join Jada as she guides you through a mindfulness session that aims to recap all we've learnt this week, along with an act of gratitude for your body. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Atkinson & Wade (2015); ​Today's activity was adapted from the Mindfulness Mode by Dr Melissa Atkinson & Professor Tracey Wade

Nov 07, 20195 minEp. 7

Day 6: Introducing comparison culture

Although a natural part of human behaviour, comparison rooted in appearance can have a negative impact on body image. Today, Jada will share how you can become more mindful of the comparisons you’re making, and help you to question whether or not they’re fair. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 06, 20196 minEp. 6

Day 5: What is Objectification Theory?

In today’s episode we talk about Objectification Theory and the impact that reducing women’s bodies to appearance alone has on body image. You'll learn how to identify this in your own life, and how to shift your way of thinking. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/

Nov 05, 20195 minEp. 5

Day 4: The cost of having a negative body image

In today's episode of Project Body Love, Jada asks who is profiting from your negative body image, and encourages you to reflect on whether these ideals are really worth buying into. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Stice & Presnell (2007); today’s activity was adapted from The Body Project by Dr Eric Stice ​& Dr Carolyn Becker (bodyprojectcollaborative.com)

Nov 04, 20195 minEp. 4

Day 3: The causes of negative body image

With pressure coming at you from your peers, the media and the digital world, today’s episode explores the causes of negative body image and the role that reframing your own internal dialogue can play in shifting your perspective. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Further reading: Shrill by Lindy West; Hunger by Roxanne Gay; Body Positive Power by Megan Crabbe; Body Respect by Linda Bacon and Lucy Aphramor; The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf; Big G...

Nov 03, 20195 minEp. 3

Day 2: What is positive body image?

Exploring what it means to have a positive body image, Jada takes a deeper dive into the ideas of acceptance, appreciation and respect for your body. @womenshealthuk #projectbodylove https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/project-body-love/ Research: Tylka & Wood-Barcalow (2015)

Nov 02, 20195 minEp. 2
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