Happy & Healthy: Maintaining A Positive Body Image

Happy & Healthy: Maintaining A Positive Body Image

            In a world where judgment is quickly and unfairly cast, in a world where society and others constantly scrutinize every single detail about your physical appearance, from your hair color, body type, what you wear etc., it is vital that we do everything in our power to maintain a positive self-image. We need to remember that nobody should be stereotyped or criticized for their physical appearance in any form, from skin color, weight, height etc. We weren’t all made to look the same. Each of us has unique physical attributes that we should embrace as beautiful, instead of casting them off as flaws about ourselves and others. So how do we maintain that self-confidence and positive body image in a world that constantly thinks less of others based on looks?

            According to Dove, more than half of the women in the world agree that they are their worse critic when it comes to their appearance. Us women constantly take that quick glance in the mirror multiple times a day and find something we nitpick regarding how we look, whether that be wrinkles, crooked teeth, the acne that pops up on our face randomly, chap lips no matter how much lip balm we use or the dreaded “muffin top”. We begin to lack so much confidence that what we see as our own flaws, we expect others around us to see as flaws of ours also and sometimes what we once saw as positive attributes with our bodies, we begin to see as insecurities due to body-shaming along with the media and today’s society pressuring girls and young women to look like supermodels such as Jessica Stam, Miranda Kerr and Emily DiDonato or like famous Hollywood starlets such as Natalie Portman, Jessica Alba and Keira Knightley. So what can we do to solve the issue of poor self-confidence caused by negative views towards our appearance?

For starters, we can stop thinking and saying negative things about ours and other people’s physical appearances. Instead of choosing to dwell on something we find negative or ugly about ourselves and others, we should focus on what we find beautiful and positive. For example, if you love your smile or the color of your eyes, say something positive about that when you take that look in the mirror. Focus on the things you find beautiful about yourself and you will feel more confident about yourself that day as opposed to focusing on what you feel are flaws, which can make you feel insecure all day.

As for others, let’s stop comparing ourselves to them. There is nothing wrong with thinking your best friend has perfect hair but don’t make yourself feel bad about how your hair looks all because you wish it was as gorgeous as theirs. On another note, don’t compare yourself to how a celebrity or public figure looks. We’re not all going to look like Lily James, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Blake Lively, Margot Robbie or whoever else your favorite celebrity is. Since we know we’re not going to look like that, why not just accept ourselves and others as who they uniquely are instead of worrying about what’s wrong with how either we or they look and instead of comparing ours and other’s looks to someone famous.

Another thing you can do to keep yourself feeling positive about your body image is writing a list of all the things you like about yourself. Whenever you are discouraged about your bodily appearance, just read the list of everything that you do love about yourself. This, in turn, will help boost your self-confidence as you think positive thoughts.

Next, it is important to keep a positive support group around you, whether that is friends or family. Sometimes this can be hard to find as people close to you can be the ones actually body-shaming you. Whoever is negatively pressuring you to look a certain way, you should try to ignore or avoid, if possible.

For me personally, I turn to some of my closest friends as a support group when I feel insecure about my looks, due to other people around me, particularly family, body-shaming me for multiple things including my hair, teeth, face, waist size and skin tone. When I start to feel insecure about my looks, my friends are there to remind me that they accept me just as I am and that I shouldn’t be ashamed of that. I am so thankful to them for that which is why I am encouraging every woman to find people in their life who are just as accepting, positive and caring to be their support group.

Another thing that you can do to feel better about yourself is to do something that helps you relax and makes your body feel good. Some suggestions include a facial, yoga, taking a bubble bath, getting a massage or taking a nap. There is nothing wrong with pampering yourself every now and then, especially when it helps take your mind off anything worrying or troubling you.

As a matter of fact, anything that boosts your confidence is important. If wearing that favorite outfit, listening to some music or playing a favorite sport brings you happiness, you should go do that. Anything that distracts you from negativity and brings positivity to your life is always a wonderful thing.

In conclusion, remember that it doesn’t matter what others negatively think about your physical appearance. It doesn’t matter if you look different than what society and the media considers attractive. What matters is that you feel comfortable and confident with who you are and how you look. As long as you feel happy and healthy, that’s all that really matters. Now go out in the world and show them how unique , beautiful and amazing you are!