We recently had the chance to speak with Annie Jasper, who has just launched a new Instagram account to celebrate the start of her fitness and wellness journey. Here, we discuss some of the body perception issues Annie faced growing up, and look at why a positive mindset is so imperative.
Britain Uncovered: It would be great to start off by hearing about your new fitness and wellness account on Instagram. What prompted you to create this profile, and what are your aims and objectives for this new project?
Annie: Body positivity is very important to me! I follow a lot of body positivity accounts on Instagram, and I love seeing that a number of models are starting to post photos of themselves ‘posing’, alongside another shot showing real life bloating, stretch marks and cellulite (everything that is normal on the human body).
I also love to see everyone starting to glorify their bodies just the way they are. It is so important (especially for younger girls) to see models’ ‘normal’ bodies, instead of what is photoshopped in magazines and on Instagram, as it creates an unrealistically high expectation of what they think they should look like.
Britain Uncovered: You mentioned that body positivity is very important to you – as it is to us! In what ways do you feel that a healthier mind can lead to a healthier body?
Annie: I do believe that having a positive mindset, in which you don’t care what others think of you, allows you to feel confident in your own skin. However, there are a lot of girls (and guys) that are insecure and focus on becoming their idea of ‘perfect’, which will impact themselves physically and mentally.
This can be through unhealthy ways of losing weight, or over-eating through stress – and either option can eventually cause harmful weight loss or gain (both of which I have struggled with).
Britain Uncovered: Despite having specific fitness goals in mind, do you also feel it’s important that people embrace their bodies exactly as they are – or do you feel that people should always be striving for improvements?
Annie: I do believe there is always room for improvement, but if a person is happy in their body, I don’t see why they should have to change anything. I love confidence – embrace who you are!
Britain Uncovered: The media often depicts images of bodies that aren’t always representative of the masses – and as you mentioned, comparing yourself to this version of what ‘beauty’ should be can result in a huge lack of confidence. Do you think the media needs to be more embracing of all body types and sizes?
Annie: I do believe the media glorifies certain body types over others. But at the end of the day, if someone who’s my idea of perfect has an ugly heart and mindset towards other people, they instantly become unattractive.
Being a kind human being is more important than your body size. All bodies should be glorified, because no one’s body is the same – and that’s what makes us all individual and perfect in our own way.
Britain Uncovered: Is social media a step in the right direction when it comes to correcting these viewpoints and celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes – as well as providing a strong support network for those who may need it?
Annie: I think social media has both highs and lows. Over the past few years, there has been such an incline in glorifying all body types, which makes me really happy.
However, when I was younger, there was only one model size deemed acceptable – and as a result, growing up I never felt confident in any of the clothes I wore, because I didn’t look exactly like the model being shown.
Britain Uncovered: We’re seeing a big rise in clothing optional and social nudity events in the UK as of late. Do you think such an event could help with your own body confidence?
Annie: Personally, I don’t think I would partake in any nude events – but I’m here to support all body positivity, so if someone feels confident enough to show their body off, then good for them. Go for it!
Britain Uncovered: Finally, what advice would you give to someone struggling with their body image, and what are some of the techniques that have helped you to feel good about your own body over the years?
Annie: If I could give advice to anyone, it would be to change your focus and be more positive and kind to yourself. People who exercise regularly (whether they lose weight or not) tend to feel better about their bodies.
Also, it is important to not get caught up in self-criticism, and avoid comparing your body to others. We are all individual, equal, beautiful, and amazing in our own way.
- To follow Annie’s fitness, well-being and body positivity journey on Instagram, feel free to check out her profile by clicking here.