Curious About How Body Image Affects Your Self-Esteem? We've Got the Answers!
Body Image: Understanding, Improving, and Embracing Your Self-View
In my clinic, I get asked about body image all the time. It’s a topic that resonates with many of us, influencing our self-esteem, daily choices, and overall wellbeing. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the intricacies of body image, addressing common concerns and offering strategies for improvement.
Finding Peace
But first, I want to share with you a little story of my journey to finding peace within my body.
I remember many years ago, in my dieting days, when I was first asked about my body image. Why I was so intent on losing weight and forcing my body into shapes it didn’t want to be. All at the detriment of my happiness and health. I was in my therapist’s office, sitting on a soft couch, I could hear the banging of the metal on the curtain as I thought about this question. I could feel my stomach squirm and my throat clench up.
Why was I so obsessed with trying to be thin?
I had never really thought about it. All I knew was that I was ‘supposed’ to be thin. To be loved, to fit in and to be popular I had to be thin. I knew I hated my body the way it was and I didn’t know any other way to achieve these things. Society had told me very clearly, as a woman your one true job is to be beautiful and subservient at all costs.
The problem was, trying to be thin was harming me more than it was helping me. Each day I would look in the mirror and pinch the parts of my body I didn’t like. Berate them, for how they looked. It’s no wonder I was miserable, how did I think this behaviour was really going to get me what I wanted. If I couldn’t accept myself internally, were people really going to accept me externally?
There came a point where I had had enough. The diets and overexercising were no longer working they were only disconnecting me further from myself and my body. I made the decision to look for a better way to find what I truly wanted.
I started to educate myself about body image. I learned that self-esteem and self-love doesn’t come from a number on a scale but from self-acceptance. What I truly wanted in life could only come from deciding to improve my body image. This doesn’t mean I love my body everyday. Some days I look in the mirror and don’ like what I see.
It does mean I have learned to appreciate the incredible things my body can do. To stop fighting it and start working with it’s natural rhythms. I genuinely never thought I could ever love my body as it is.
I’m really happy to say, I truly do. I truly love my body, cellulite and all. You can do!
It’s starts with a decision; a decision I know you are brave enough to make. That’s why you’re here. A decision to choose another path than the path of disliking your body. Let’s dive into how you can start to improve your body image.
What Causes Poor Body Image?
Poor body image can stem from a variety of sources, both external (outside of yourself) and internal (internal). This might look like, societal pressures, media portrayals of idealized bodies, and comparison with others which can significantly impact how we view our physical selves. On a personal level, past experiences, comments from peers or family, and individual psychological factors contribute to the development of a negative body image.
The Four Types of Body Image
Understanding the different types of body image can provide insight into our own perspectives and guide us toward healthier self-perception:
Perceptual Body Image: This is how you see yourself in the mirror or in your mind. It's not always a reflection of reality but your personal perception of your size and shape.
Affective Body Image: This type refers to how you feel about your body, particularly the size and shape. It's the emotional component, which can range from positive to negative feelings.
Cognitive Body Image: This aspect involves how you think about your body. It encompasses beliefs and thoughts about your appearance and how much you fixate on perceived flaws.
Behavioral Body Image: This is how you behave as a result of your body image. It can include checking one's appearance in mirrors, avoiding certain clothing, or engaging in eating patterns influenced by body perception.
How to Fix Body Image Problems
Improving your body image is a journey that involves altering perceptions, behaviours, and thought patterns. Here are some strategies to empower a healthier body image:
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that your value goes beyond your physical appearance.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself having negative thoughts about your body, challenge and reframe them with positive or neutral statements.
Appreciate Your Body's Functionality: Recognize and celebrate what your body can do, rather than focusing solely on appearance.
Engage in Positive Activities: Participate in activities that make you feel good about yourself, which can boost overall self-esteem and body image.
Seek Professional Help: If body image issues significantly impact your life, consider consulting a therapist who specializes in body image and self-esteem.
How Body Image Affects Self-Esteem
Body image and self-esteem are closely intertwined. A negative body image can lead to low self-esteem, affecting various aspects of life, including relationships, mental health, and overall happiness. Conversely, a positive body image can bolster self-esteem, leading to more fulfilling social interactions, greater life satisfaction, and better mental health.
Embrace Your Body
It's crucial to remember that everyone's body is unique, and there is no single "ideal" body type. Embracing and accepting your body as it is can be a liberating experience, leading to improved mental health and wellbeing.
For further insights into body image, explore the articles "Are you Bikini Body Ready?" and "Is My Body Really The Problem?," which delve into societal expectations and personal acceptance.
In conclusion, understanding the causes of poor body image, recognizing the different types, and taking steps to improve your self-perception can significantly impact your self-esteem and overall quality of life. Remember, the journey to a healthier body image is personal and ongoing, and it's about creating a loving and accepting relationship with yourself.
Ready to deepen your journey toward body love and acceptance?
Transform how you view your body in just 10 minutes with this free meditation experience designed to nurture self-love and release negative body image.
