In today’s “image-based society”, there is a lot of pressure to look good and body image is prevalent. We are constantly surrounded by images of ourselves on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, during video calls, on webinars, on professional websites, and a long list of other places. Sometimes lacking in any form leads to cruel trolling, both online and offline.
Body image is the mental representation of our physical selves, and many of us really believe that our bodies are larger than they actually are. Our views, ideas, emotions, feelings, and behaviors in regard to our physical or outer appearance make up our relationship with our bodies.
A negative body image can have a significant impact on both our physical and emotional health, as well as our relationships with other people. Negative body image sufferers frequently avoid looking in the mirror, avoid wearing specific types of clothing because they lack confidence, or try to cover or hide a certain body area.
Some people have a one-sided connection with their bodies and continuously push them past their breaking points without paying attention to their body’s signals for hunger or discomfort. Some people even starve themselves for extended periods of time or workout to the point of being hurt.
Fake it till you make it – Sometimes wearing a particular type of clothing makes one feel uneasy. Put them on nevertheless. You might initially feel uncomfortable, but with time you will grow accustomed to seeing yourself that way, and eventually other people will as well.
Use positive affirmations to remind yourself that you are deserving of love for the person you are, not just the way you look.
Let go of striving for perfection. Even the moon has imperfections. Height, weight, skin tone, and other factors shouldn’t be given undue weight. You share a part of them. Accept them. It is normal that no one is perfect.
Treat yourself to some self-care; do it for you, not for anyone else.
Let go of ideals – Most individuals have ideas, but we must acknowledge that not everyone can be size-zero and that even those who can sometimes struggle to maintain it.
Avoid using negative language and concentrate on topics other than weight and attractiveness. Never compliment someone’s appearance when you first meet them. Better than “Oh you have gained weight or lost weight,” is “How have you been?”
Learn to gently accept compliments. When someone compliments you, try not to list all the things they think are wrong with you. Learn to end a discussion with a short, sincere thank you.
Remind yourself that you are valuable. Positive affirmations are crucial. Every night, remind yourself of all the positive things you did during the day. Make a list of all the constructive things you want to accomplish today in the morning.
