Positive Body Image Tips
Especially in society today, expectations for the appearance of our bodies have become extremely unrealistic and detrimental to our physical and mental healths. Unhealthy trends are constantly popping up over social media, such as the idealization of “thigh-gaps” and “hourglass bodies”, causing “ 70% of women between the ages of 18-30 dislike their bodies” (Shields). Particularly for female adolescents, these trends cause a concerning amount of body dysmorphia and for many, the wanting to lose weight and to to adhere to these social standards. Unfortunately, such ideas and beliefs can cause individuals to indulge in unhealthy eating habits and even deadly eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and cycles of binging/purging. Due to these reasons, it is necessary that society begins promoting positive body image ideas, and people in the community can uplift one another about appearances rather than bringing each other down.
Body image describes an individual’s perception of their body and is a term often used within diet culture to explain someone’s negative outlook on the way their body looks. Many people believe their bodies aren’t “good looking” because society has often warped our perspectives of a “perfect body” to include features such as being very slim, having a small waist, toned tummy, etc. According to the National Organization for Women, by the time females reach seventeen years of age, 78% feel unhappy with their bodies and have negative body images. Understandably, it is extremely difficult to fully change one’s mindset on their own appearance, however it is time to begin implementing different strategies on improving body image and overall, feeling more happy and confident in your looks. People truly cannot spend the majority of their lives worrying about how bloated their stomach is or how the size of jeans they wear- it’s no way of living.
Accepting a Mindset Change
The first, and sometimes most difficult step in working towards having positive body image, is admitting that the societal standards for appearances are unrealistic and don’t need to be followed. Along with this, don’t make harsh comments about the way your body looks or compare it to other peoples’ as well.
Daily Affirmations
Some beneficial methods in practicing affirmations include writing quotes that you find motivational/inspiring within your notes apps, phone screensaver, on sticky notes, or any place where you will often see it and remind yourself of your worth. While refraining from judging your body will help shift your mindset into not being so negative, positively commenting on your appearance sparks internal joy and helps one work towards a healthier mindset.
Throw Away Diet Culture Rules
Most information directing you on “how to eat” from social media is simply an example of diet culture, and it creates even higher levels of body dysmorphia by demonstrating which foods are okay to eat or not okay to eat. In reality, all foods provide fuel, and it’s important that you prioritize your health and happiness when deciding on what to eat, rather than following inaccurate food rules that instill more negative body image.
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