With unrealistic and unattainable body-images constantly surrounding us on almost every medium, it becomes only natural to feel bad about your body. However, it can be dealt with easily.
Let’s start by answering one simple question, “How do you feel about your body?” If your immediate answer was not “Great”, paired up with a smile, then you might not be positive about your body but are not alone. This is a common issue with teenagers these days, especially with Indian teens. With advertisements and images of specific body type being constantly forced on us on almost every medium, it is easier to feel bad about our own bodies.
However, we can counteract this by building a positive body image. Body image can be easily understood as the perception that a person has of their physical appearance and the feelings and thoughts that result from that perception.
A positive body image makes us accept, appreciate and respect our body. So, in short, we don’t have to start feeling that our body is perfect, rather acknowledge our bodies the way they are and avoid any insecurities.
A Positive body image also boosts our self-esteem as we start valuing ourselves. This leads to a positive attitude when we can accept our strengths and weaknesses without being negative about it.
Here are a few ways to feel more than just good about your body.
Focus on your positives : skills, talents and qualities
Start your day by saying positive things to yourself daily
Avoid berating self-talk or any negative talk about yourself
Concentrate on appreciating and respecting what your body is doing for you
Set positive, practical and health-focused goals rather than just weight-loss goals
It’s good to admire beauty in others but don’t compare yourself to them
Keep reminding yourself that images in any media are unrealistic and unattainable
Maintain a top-ten list of things you like about yourself
Remind yourself that “true beauty” is not simply skin-deep
Look at yourself as a whole person
Surround yourself with positive people
Shut down those voices in your head that tell you your body is not “right” or that you are a “bad” person
Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you feel good about your body
Do something nice for yourself regularly
Use the time and energy that you might have spent worrying about food, calories, and your weight to do something to help others
If you have any tips or ways to deal with negative self-talk so share them with us in the comment section below. In case you need more help or advice you can always chat with our experts or send an email to expert@teentalkindia.com