When you look in the mirror, how do you really feel about your body? Are you happy with the way you look? Or do you ever feel sad or anxious about things like your height, weight, skin color , or hair type? We all experience these feelings to some extent. But you don't have to live with these feelings. You can develop a positive attitude about your body, a 'Positive Body Image'. Let's talk about this today.
Why do we feel this way about our bodies?
Whether we like it or not, the society and culture we live in have created certain ideals and standards that say "beauty" should look like this. So, we unconsciously tend to compare ourselves to that standard.
Think about the actors and models we see on TV, movies, magazines, and social media . Their bodies are often difficult for the average person to achieve, sometimes unhealthy, and unrealistic. But when we keep seeing those things, we can think, "There's something wrong with my body."
Not only that, but the people around us also influence this. The things our own family and friends say can have a profound impact on our feelings.
"Oh, you're so thin, are you sick?"
"Shah... you seem a little older, don't you? You're beautiful now."
"Your skin looks darker than before, doesn't it?"
Even if these kinds of things are said with good intentions, sometimes they get stuck in our minds and cause us to have negative feelings about our bodies. Sometimes, even if a doctor gives us health-conscious advice, we can misinterpret it and harm our body image.
Why is 'Body Image' important?
The first thing to understand is that healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Not everyone has to be the same. Developing and maintaining a positive body image is essential to your happiness and overall well-being.
Let's look at this table to explain this further.
| Positive Body Image | Negative Body Image |
|---|---|
| They see their body as it really is. They have a realistic understanding of their size and shape. | They don't see their body as it really is. They may think they are fatter and uglier than they really are. |
| Feeling proud and comfortable with their body. | Feeling ashamed, embarrassed, and anxious about their body. |
| Don't compare your body to others' bodies. | They often feel sad by comparing their bodies to those of others. |
| We value the things our bodies can do (walking, working, hugging a loved one) more than their appearance. | This condition can lead to conditions such as stress, low self-esteem, constant control over eating, severe anxiety , depression, and eating disorders . |
The important thing is that changing your body image doesn't mean you have to physically change your body . It's something that starts from within, in your mind.
What is 'Body Positivity'? How to practice it?
Simply put, 'Body Positivity' means treating your body and the bodies of others with love and kindness, rather than criticizing them. Accepting them as they are.
Practice gratitude instead of criticism.
Try to stop blaming and berating your body. Instead, think about and be grateful for all the things your body does for you. Think about the lungs that help you breathe, the heart that keeps beating, the brain that helps you face the challenges of the day, the hands that make a delicious meal, the ability to hold the hand of a loved one... How precious are all of these?
This won't happen overnight.
Becoming 'Body Positive' takes effort and time. When you have a negative thought about your body, or someone else's body, acknowledge it. Be aware of that thought by saying, "Oh... I feel this way now." Also, be aware of the overly positive feelings you sometimes have about your body. See if that feeling is based on the idea of a "perfect" body that society has created. Let go of those judgments and focus on accepting your body as it is . In this way, accepting your body as it is, without labeling it as good or bad, is what we call ' Body Neutrality ' .
Be an example to others.
You can help those around you become body positive too. Think twice before praising a friend for losing weight. Avoid talking about your diet plan at the dinner table with family. Instead, talk about someone's health and happiness.
Diversify what you watch.
Learn to appreciate bodies of all sizes, shapes, colors, and abilities. In the accounts you follow on social media, the TV shows you watch, and the magazines you watch, try to choose media that celebrates and allows for all body types.
Take good care of your body.
Another great way to change the way you feel about your body is to take good care of it.
- Be active : Exercise is a great way to boost your self-esteem, body image, and energy. Exercise is not just about "getting thin," but about "being healthy and happy."
- Good food: Eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help you achieve healthy skin, hair, and a strong skeletal system.
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for managing stress.
All of this can make you feel good about your body.
Most importantly, if you are a parent, the way you look at your body and talk about it is what your children will imitate . So it is your responsibility to help your children develop a positive body image from a young age.
Take-Home Message
- Avoid comparing your body to other people's bodies. Everyone is different, and every body is beautiful.
- Understand that not everything you see on social media and television is real. They are often edited, unrealistic images.
- Instead of blaming your body, be grateful for the service it does for you (breathing, walking, thinking).
- Take care of your body. Healthy eating, exercise, and adequate sleep are important for both your physical and mental health.
- If you're having trouble managing negative feelings about your body, don't be afraid to talk about it. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or your doctor can help you feel more comfortable and guided.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න