Improving Your Body Image

(Jayne Freeland - 4th June 2009)

 We see skinny celebs in the media on a daily basis and are constantly reminded of our inadequacies, or should I say, our perceived inadequacies. We grew up comparing our bodies to other girls as we went through puberty. Clothing trends force us into outfits that are less than flattering on certain body types. Why wouldn’t we have a poor body image? 

However, just like most things in life, what we see in the mirror and how we judge ourselves is merely our own perception. It is what we believe, through either cultural, social or familial influence or even former abusive situations; it is not the absolute truth and you do not have to believe it any longer. 

I think one of the most important factors in changing your body image is accepting yourself for who you are and not what other people think. Janet Jackson said it perfectly on her 40^th birthday. She said it was very liberating to be 40 and worrying far less about what other people think. She’d learned this over the years and had finally found acceptance for herself and her body type. Once she did that, she was able to face weight loss as a means to find better health. She put less emphasis on “I have to do this to fit in or maintain my celebrity image” and more on “this is for me!” 

The fact is, the ultra-thin model or celebrity body is simply not an ideal goal. Most are underweight. Most take part in fad diets that strip their bodies of important nutrients and speed up the aging process. Sure, they can afford the plastic surgery later, but most of us can’t. And again, it simply isn’t all about the image in the mirror, but also our overall health and energy levels.  

How do we improve our body image? How do we find acceptance?  

Start talking to yourself more pleasantly. We often say things to ourselves that we wouldn’t even say to our worst enemy. Give yourself a break and just take each day at a time. Stop beating yourself up over the little stuff. 

Explore the lives of women who do more than wind up on the cover of a fashion rag. There are countless stories of successful, charitable women who have overcome some major obstacles. Check out the biography section of your library or bookstore and begin to read about things that matter. 

Shop for clothing that matches your body type. Find a good shop and a trustworthy sales person (preferably someone close to your size who dresses well) and ask their advice. Trendy is nice, but comfort and flattering clothes are best. You’ll walk away feeling like a million! 

Quit weighing and measuring your body every day. If you learn to eat proper foods and find time to exercise because you’ve empowered yourself to want to do this, you will lose weight. The scale doesn’t help you lose weight nor does the measuring tape. You’ll feel it when you begin to lose weight and how you feel is more important than anything a scale will tell you. 

Be realistic in your goal setting and take baby steps. Don’t set yourself up for failure by making lofty goals that most real women could never achieve in a short time period. 

Above all, learn to think positively about your efforts. It’s not about have to; it’s about want to! 

 
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