What To Do When You're UNHAPPY With Your Body Author: David Cornwell How …

What To Do When You're UNHAPPY With Your Body

Author: David Cornwell

How to develop a positive body image

“WARNING: Reflections in this mirror may be distorted by socially constructed ideas of ‘beauty.’”

These words, by Erin Laurence, after being stuck to mirrors around the world, captured the feelings of those who suffer from a distorted body image.

Today many believe this to be a psychological issue impacting primarily women… until an equally powerful viral message – It’s just as hard to be Ken as it is to be Barbie – highlighted that having a distorted body image can affect anyone, no matter of their gender.

Studies show that in this age of hyper-media-saturation we are constantly exposed to unrealistic body images through both celebrity Instagram feeds and our own personal social networks.

As a result, men and women are increasingly reflecting negatively on their own bodies.

Researchers also reveal that repeated negative experiences such as this can have a long-lasting impact on body image.

Break the cycle of negativity

Having a negative body image often creates a cycle of negative feelings and behaviours.

We feel bad about ourselves, so we can’t muster the motivation to cook a healthy meal or go to the gym. Then, because we haven’t done these things, we feel even worse about ourselves – and the vicious cycle c
ontinues.

If this sounds familiar, the good news is that there are steps you can take to actively and consciously build a positive body image.

1. Limit negative ‘body talk’

Just as cycles of negative behaviour can reinforce our negative self-image, so too can the language we use when we talk about our bodies.

In order to build a positive body image, start by refusing to speak about your body negatively, and feel entitled to steer conversations away from topics (such as diets or exercise fads) that might trigger these negative feelings.

2. Stop comparing yourself

Because of our constant connection to media, it is easy to spend a lot of time comparing your body to the images you see in magazines, adverts and your social media feeds.

According to Dr. Elizabeth Halsted, a clinical psychologist, one of the most effective ways of dismantling a negative body image – and building a positive one – is to stop the comparison as soon as you notice it.

For those who find this difficult, it may be useful to take a short break from social media – even a few days can be effective – in order to reset the entrenched cycle of negative body comparisons.

Return to your social networks committed to noticing and inhibiting negative body comparisons as they occur. And remember, not even celebrities can live up to the standards of celebrities.

Rob McElhenny, who plays Mac in the American sitcom Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, posted a gentle reminder on Instagram about Hollywood realness:

“Look, it’s not hard. All you need to do is lift weights six days a week, stop drinking alcohol, don’t eat after 7pm, don’t eat any carbs or sugar at all… sleep nine hours a night, run three miles a day… I don’t know why everyone’s not doing this. It’s a completely realistic lifestyle and an appropriate body image to compare oneself to. #hollywood”

3. Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself

It may sound obvious, but simply feeling good about yourself can help build a positive body image.

Spending time with friends and loved ones, laughing, joining a club (perhaps a physical activity or even a book club), learning something new and seeking out opportunities to play can all help challenge those negative feelings and assumptions we make about ourselves and our bodies.

Source