@victoriassecret executive Ed Razek recently made some disgusting fatphobic and transphobic comments.
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When asked in a Teen Vogue interview about whether they should have plus size women or trans women in the VS Fashion Show, he said, “No, I don’t think we should. Well, why not? Because the show is a fantasy.”
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He tried to backpedal his comments after receiving backlash, but you can’t just backpedal from something as atrocious as this or the countless negative impacts VS has made over time. VS idealizes one unrealistic body type that doesn’t even actually exist because of the insane amount of editing on their models’ photos. Viewing their ads when I was a preteen and teen had a huge negative impact on my body image and made me feel like I wasn’t beautiful or worthy because my body type was far from that of their “angels.”
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Regardless of your height, size, weight, race, ethnicity, gender identity, ability, or sexual orientation, you are beautiful. You are worthy. You are important. You are needed. This world NEEDS you and your voice. No backwards, hateful brand can take that away.
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Yes, I’m a plus-size woman, and yes, I’m strong, independent, and beautiful.
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I’m going to follow @lexiemanion’s and @thebirdpapaya’s lead and #makemyownwings and fly away from the BS of VS. 🦋
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Photo: @cmrfx @jcufx
Project: @dancers.that.inspire
Zen is here to remind you of the importance of sleep 🐶
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Sleep is something that majorly impacts mental health. Poor sleep can lead to greater risk of depression and anxiety,
increased risk of heart disease and cancer, impaired memory, reduced immune system functioning, and greater likelihood of accidents (Mental Health America, 2018). When you don’t get enough sleep, your brain can’t function to its full capacity, which is especially challenging for people (like me!) who struggle with mental illness. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of dangerous thinking when your brain hasn’t had time to refuel and recharge.
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According to Harvard Mental Health Letter, “chronic sleep problems affect 50% to 80% of patients in a typical psychiatric practice, compared with 10% to 18% of adults in the general U.S. population. Sleep problems are particularly common in patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).” So, it’s clear that getting adequate sleep is something that can be extra difficult for people who live with mental illness, regardless of whether they are able to get to bed on time.
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Here are some suggestions for improving sleep hygiene:
- Try to avoid caffeine in the evening. I try not to consume caffeine after 5pm if possible!
- Make your bedroom a calming space. Whether it’s a comfy new blanket, blackout curtains, a noise machine, essential oils, or anything else, create a calming sleep space for yourself.
- Try meditating or doing deep breathing before bed. A sleep meditation that I typically do is combining deep breathing with counting down from 9 to 0. With each out breath, you count down, and then repeat again starting at 8, then 7, and so on.
- Try to keep a consistent bedtime most nights. Your body will get more used to this cycle, which will help you get more restful sleep.
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What are your strategies for prioritizing sleep and getting more restful sleep? Comment below 😴
This is how excited I am to be partnering with @dove to share #GirlCollective with you!!! 😍🎉
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Girl Collective is a Facebook group powered by the @Dove Self-Esteem Project where girls can seek mentorship, advice, and guidance from women on body confidence — isn’t that absolutely amazing?! This group gives women the opportunity to connect and mentor at their leisure, while also increasing their empowerment by connecting digitally, increasing the scale of which they can positively impact young girls. This group gives girls a space where they can turn to trusted females outside of their circle of family and friends who can offer unbiased advice, ask questions they may not feel comfortable asking someone they know, and feel like a larger part of a sisterhood. I know I wish that something like this existed when I was a teen, and I know the impacts will be life-changing for both girls AND women.
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Check out my stories and story highlights for more information on how you can join the group, and also search Facebook for “Dove Girl Collective” 🎉#GirlCollective #DovePartner
(Photography by @cmrfx and @jcufx)
