Here’s the truth that social media rarely shows: bodies come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Everyone’s body is different and it’s not just okay – it’s natural. Stereotypical beauty standards have a lot of youths believing that there exists such a thing as an “ideal” body type. And chasing for something that doesn’t exist can have serious negative impacts on mental health by creating a negative relationship with your body.
What is Body Image?
Body image is how you see and feel about your own body. This includes how you think you look and how you believe others see you. A healthy body image means feeling comfortable and confident in your skin, while a negative body image means you feel dissatisfied or critical of how you look.
You aren’t born with a positive or negative body image – it’s learned. Many body image issues start when youths begin comparing themselves to others. And this is often exacerbated in the social media era where highly edited pictures or filters exist to make seemingly flawless bodies. It leads to unrealistic, unattainable expectations. The truth is, no such thing as perfect because everyone’s body is unique.
Body Image and Mental Health
Negative body image can lead to a number of mental health challenges. Constantly worrying about how you look can make you feel anxious, stressed, or even depressed. You might avoid social situations because you’re self-conscious or spend too much time trying to “fix” things about your appearance. Over time, these feelings can affect your self-esteem and overall happiness.
On the other hand, having a positive body image can improve your mental health. When you accept your body for what it is and focus on how it feels and what it can do, you’re more likely to feel confident and less stressed. Body positivity doesn’t mean you have to love every part of your appearance all the time—it’s about being kind to yourself and appreciating your body for more than just looks.
Building a Healthier Body Image
- Stop Comparing Yourself: Try to remind yourself that what you see online isn’t always real. Comparing yourself to others will only lead to more stress and insecurity. So, take breaks from social media to reduce comparisons or unfollow accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards.
- Focus on What Your Body Can Do: Your body is amazing in so many ways, from letting you dance to playing sports or even just walking around. Shift your focus to the things your body does for you rather than how it looks.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Practise self-compassion. When you notice negative thoughts creeping in, challenge them. Instead of criticising yourself, talk to yourself like you would a close friend with kindness and understanding. Remind yourself of your strengths by writing down the things you like about yourself that have nothing to do with appearance, like your talents, skills, or personality.
- Follow Positive Influences: Surround yourself with messages and people who encourage body acceptance. There are many social media accounts that promote real, diverse body types and focus on self-love.
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