Body Image
Our body image can have a huge impact on our wellbeing.
But lots of people do struggle with their body image. It is really easy for us to compare ourselves to others when we are constantly surrounded by photoshopped bodies, influencers, models, and the media telling us what we should think about ourselves. It is important to remember though that every body is valid and deserves to be accepted.
What is body-image, self-talk and self-objectification
Body image is how you see yourself physically. It is what you think and feel about your own body and how you look. People sometimes refer to positive body image as when we like our bodies, and negative body image when we dislike our bodies.
Self-talk is literally how we talk to ourselves. This is how we think and speak to ourselves and informs what we believe about ourselves. Many of us have self-talk that relates to our body image.
Self-objectification is when we treat ourselves more like an object than a person. This is when we focus on our worth being about how we look, as opposed to our worth being about who we are as people.
Comparing ourselves to what we see in the media
Lots of us compare ourselves to the people we see in the media, but this can be really harmful sometimes. When we compare ourselves to look exactly like the models and photoshopped bodies we see all over social media, TV, and magazines, this can affect our body image.
It is important to remember though that there is no one “perfect body type” – it just doesn’t exist. The media sets unrealistic standards for what we should look like, but the reality is that no one can achieve these ideals, because most of the time what we see is actually photoshopped.
Unfortunately, because we interact with the media so much, it is really hard to avoid seeing these unrealistic bodies. This is why it is so important to be aware of what we are seeing and how it is affecting our body image.
Eating disorders and difficulties
When people become so focused on not liking their body and wanting to change it, this can change the way they eat and exercise. Things like not over exercising, not letting yourself eat, eating for comfort, or making yourself throw up after eating can all be different eating difficulties driven by your body image. Even if someone hasn’t been diagnosed with an eating disorder, lots of people experience eating difficulties.
Eating disorders are actually very common and can look different in different people. If you think your body image or self-talk is starting to affect the way you eat and exercise, it could be a good idea to reach out for support. You can start by talking to a friend, a trusted adult, a school counsellor or school nurse, or even your GP.
Things we can do to appreciate our bodies
Focus on what your body does for you. When you focus on what your body does for you, rather than what it looks like, this can help you to appreciate your body more. Check out this awesome Letter to my body that talks all about learning to appreciate what our bodies do for us.
Filter out your social media. When you constantly see pictures and videos of photoshopped bodies or models, this can create unrealistic expectations of how you are supposed to look. Instead fill your feed with people who are inclusive and body positive.
Challenge your self-talk. When you notice yourself thinking negative things about your body, try asking yourself “would I judge my friends or family in the same way?”
Use affirmations. Write a list of affirmations about your body that you can tell yourself each day, or whenever you notice your self-talk becoming negative. Some affirmations you could try out are “I like my body”, “my body allows me to experience the world”, or “I am grateful to have a healthy body”.
Learn to accept your body. When you have body image issues, it can seem like a big challenge learning how to love your body. Some people find it easier to first learn how to accept their body. Accepting ourselves for who we are can be an easier goal to reach, and then we can grow to love our bodies from there.
Talk to someone. If you feel like your body image is impacting your wellbeing, or yu start to experience eating difficulties, it can be good to talk to someone like a friend, trusted adult, or counsellor to help us.
