Demi Lovato got candid about how isolation is affecting her body image
This week, Miley Cyrus launched an Instagram Live show called Bright Minded, which airs Mondays through Fridays at 2:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. PT. The show is all about “connecting with special guests discussing how to stay LIT in dark times”—via FaceTime, of course. And on the second episode, she talked to Demi Lovato about her “tips and tricks on how to stay bright in dark times.” In true Demi fashion, the “I Love Me” singer was candid about how social distancing has been triggering her struggle with her body image.
“I think it’s so important for anybody that has dealt with body image, that right now we’re home with our mirrors and things like that, it’s so important not to get consumed in negative self-talk,” Lovato said.
But Lovato recognized that isolation can be difficult for everyone, regardless of whether they have a history of body dysmorphia or not.
“We’re confined into these spaces,” she said. “We’re gonna see the same mirrors every day, we’re gonna have the same negative thoughts. It’s important not to beat ourselves up over not eating perfectly, not working out perfectly. These are different, very scary times. We’ve never been through anything like this. This is all new to everyone. And it’s okay to be gentle with yourself, and just take care of yourself as much as possible.”
Earlier in their conversation, Lovato told Cyrus that practicing body acceptance feels more approachable than body positivity, which can feel “inauthentic.” And she shared a mantra she uses that may help others who are struggling with the same issues.
“I still sometimes struggle with body dysmorphia,” Lovato said (“Same,” Cyrus agreed). “So when I look in the mirror, if I can just go, ‘I’m grateful for the body that’s gotten me through every day of my life, no matter what I put it through. I’m grateful for the health and strength that I have today, that helps me be grounded in my body, and it helps stop those negative body image thoughts.”
Cyrus also asked whether Lovato makes music about the times that she hasn’t felt confident, because she worries about her fans feeling the same way.
“Yes,” Lovato said. “My whole purpose in coming clean with everything I’ve been through is to help someone else.
“Because I remember being 12 years old, my body started changing,” she continued, “and I didn’t have anybody in young Hollywood to look up to at that time that had a normal body. I’d just see these stick figures, because that’s what was ‘in style.’ And I kind of made a vow to myself that was just like, when I get older, I want to represent what I didn’t have. I want to be that for somebody.”
Other ways Lovato has also found solace: connecting with her church via an app, calming breathing exercises, calling her friends and family, Headspace, virtual sessions with her therapist, at-home cardio workouts, and experimenting with new creative projects (like knitting!). For her part, Cyrus is into watching Love Island, playing with her dogs, breathing and meditation, and dancing around her house.
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Despite our physical isolation, in some ways we’re more connected than ever. (Like, when else would we have been able to drop in on a conversation between Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato?) Take sweet care of yourself, reach out to the people you love, and remember that you’re not alone.
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