#175: When a Photo Ruins Your Day (and How to Heal from It)

Jul 7

In this bonus episode, I’m answering a listener question that so many of us have carried, even quietly:

Why does seeing a photo of myself — especially in a group — make me want to shrink my body, even though I know better?

And so, this episode offers both understanding and tools. A soft landing, and also a gentle nudge toward reflection and repair.

Here’s a little of what we explore:

Why photos can feel like a trap. We’ll talk about how images — especially unexpected ones — can serve as a form of body checking, pulling us into old loops of control and criticism.
The neuroscience of comparison. Social comparison isn’t a personal flaw — it’s a human tendency shaped by culture and the body hierarchies that keep us stuck in the cycle.
Body grief and the “I thought I was past this” spiral. We’ll name the grief that can rise up, especially if we feel like we should be immune to body shame by now. And we’ll talk through language and compassion for being in that in-between space.
What to do when you hate a photo of yourself. Because yes—there are practices you can lean on that are rooted in body neutrality, values, and self-compassion. This isn’t about pretending you love every photo. It’s about creating space between your image and your worth.

Whether you’ve recently been tagged in a photo that made your stomach drop, or you’ve been here a hundred times before — this episode is for you.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit abbieattwoodwellness.substack.com

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