Body image is when people see themselves in an unrealistic way. While it is most common in women, it is also found in lots of men. Negative body image can be formed in lots of ways. One familiar way is if somebody had continuously said something about you, like your weight.
Criticizing yourself and comparing yourself to others (a lot of the times people compare themselves to celebrities and models) are all traits of negative body image. Doing this to a certain extent can lead to anxiety and eating disorders.
Negative body image isn’t something that you can overcome in a day. It’ll take time, but I have a few tips to share with you on how you can begin to look at yourself in a better, more positive way.
#1 Surround Yourself With Positive People
Don’t let the negative people stay in your life, because they won’t help, possibly only bring you down further. Maybe you have a friend that pokes fun at your weight all the time, then don’t keep them in your life. If you have someone in your life who says negative things about you, then that’s not going to help you say positive things about yourself.
#2 Say Good Things
When you look in the mirror, push the negative thoughts away. Don’t focus on one thing you dislike about yourself, focus on yourself as a whole and say something good about yourself, say something that you like about yourself. Focusing on one thing is not how other people view you, even though that may be what you think.
#3 Everyone Is Different
Think about the fact that everybody is different. There are all different types of body shapes and sizes out there, and not everyone is going to be the same. There are so many different heights and weights out there, so don’t compare yourself to other people. Too high of expectations will only bring more of the negative.
You shouldn’t let other people bring you down for what you are, just as you shouldn’t bring yourself down. Don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself, and accept that you are who you are. If you want to do something for you, then do that, but don’t let other people change you.
