Body Image Blues, Girls?

Television: Constant flooding of size 0 models and actresses.

Movies: Unrealistic expectations of clothing, relationships, and what 'normal' looks like. Only instead of a 17 inch flat screen TV, images are on the silver screen in all their glory.

Magazines: Page after page of styles, what's fashionable, "How to dress your Curves," and sex, sex, sex.

Family & Friends: probably the biggest competition around. We compare ourselves to our friends, what our mate might expect in our body, or how you "used" to look.

Don't like your nose? Not a Barbie Doll> When you look in the mirror, do you like what you see? Don't like your jean size? Well I can guarantee that 100% of females, and some males are fairly self-conscious about their body image. So what exactly is negative body image? WomensHealth defines,"A woman has a distorted perception of her shape and size, compares her body to others, and feels shame and anxiety about her body. Being unhappy with your body can affect how you think and feel about yourself as a person. A poor body image can lead to emotional distress, low self-esteem, unhealthy dieting habits, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Developing a positive body image and a healthy mental attitude is crucial to a woman's happiness and wellness."

So how do you get back to a positive body image? How can this change your lifestyle and internal dialog? The following 10 Steps to Positive Body Image by Wesleyan University are:

1. Appreciate all that your body can do. Every day your body carries you closer to your

dreams. Celebrate all of the amazing things your body does for you --running, dancing,

breathing, laughing, dreaming, etc.

2. Keep a top-10 list of things you like about yourself -- things that aren’t related to how much

you weigh or what you look like. Read your list often. Add to it as you become aware of

more things to like about you.

3. Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep. When you feel good about

yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance,

and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a

supermodel. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body.

4. Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind,

choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you -- as a

whole person.

5. Surround yourself with positive people. It is easier to feel good about yourself and your

body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of

liking yourself just as you naturally are.

6. Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a

“bad” person. You can overpower those negative thoughts with positive ones. The next

time you start to tear yourself down, build yourself back up with a few quick affirmations

that work for you.

7. Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body. Work

with your body, not against it.

8. Become a critical viewer of social and media messages. Pay attention to images, slogans, or

attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body. Protest these messages:

write a letter to the advertiser or talk back to the image or message.

9. Do something nice for yourself -- something that lets your body know you appreciate it.

Take a bubble bath, make time for a nap, find a peaceful place outside to relax.

10. Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your

weight to do something to help others. Sometimes reaching out to other people can help

you feel better about yourself and can make a positive change in our world.

References:

Womens Health. (2009). Body Image: Loving Your Body Inside and Out. Retrieved online January 4, 2009 from http://www.womenshealth.gov/bodyImage/

Wesleyan University. (2002). Ten Steps Positive Body Image. Retrieved online January 4, 2009 from http://www.wesleyan.edu/weswell/docs/ed_bodyimage/10%20Steps%20to%20Positive%20Body%20Image.pdf