Your body is not open for interpretation

Show of hands: who actually wants to do a group project?

Exactly. Most of us dread them. Giving up control, relying on other people’s effort, hoping everyone pulls their weight… it’s stressful. A lot of us would rather do the whole thing ourselves than risk our grade depending on someone else.

And yet… when it comes to our bodies and well-being, we let other people’s opinions take over all the time.

We absorb comments, likes, trends and “rules” about food, exercise and appearance and let them shape how we feel about ourselves. Unlike a group project, though, what’s the end goal here? Who actually benefits from body shaming, rigid food rules or unrealistic appearance standards? Sure, we can be our own harshest critics but often the pressure to change our bodies comes from trying to impress or please others. So here’s the question: how reliable are those voices, really?

It might be time to say it louder: MY BODY IS NOT A GROUP PROJECT.

Just like in class, everyone brings their own opinions, biases and assumptions—and not all of them are helpful or informed. Some feedback doesn’t deserve a vote. Setting boundaries around comments about your body, food choices or movement is not selfish; it’s necessary. Supporting others can also look like shifting the way we give compliments, focusing on who someone is rather than what they look like. Health and body size are not the same thing, and not every thought needs to be shared out loud.

Social media is another place where opinions run wild. Influencers, trends and click-bait posts are designed to grab attention—often to make money—not to support your well-being. Social platforms put a heavy emphasis on appearance, and that can quietly mess with how we see ourselves. Pay attention to how certain accounts make you feel. Curate your feed. Your worth is not measured in likes, views or followers. Build an identity that goes deeper than a number on a screen.

And maybe most importantly, notice how you talk to yourself. Many of us show compassion and flexibility to others that we never allow ourselves. You don’t need to earn food. You don’t need to “burn off” meals. Nourishment and movement are tools for care, not punishment. Be curious about where your beliefs came from and give yourself permission to unlearn what no longer serves you.

If you’re thinking, “Okay, but how do I actually start?” Good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone. Opinions aren’t credentials. If thoughts about food, exercise or your body feel overwhelming, reaching out to a professional is a strong and valid step. Check out podcasts like “Project Body Love” or “Men Unscripted” on Spotify, or connect with the Well-Being Center for support, resources and growth. Find the Well-Being Center on my.csbsju.edu where you can request an appointment and learn information, call us at (320)363-5605 or stop by either campus to schedule an appointment or use Walk-In Wednesday with counseling staff.

Your body isn’t a group assignment. You get to lead this one.