‘Body Image is how you see and feel about your body and its shape’
The pressures of a thin, fit body are everywhere
We are constantly reminded to compare and critique ourselves against others, while at the gym, browsing holidays and of course social media- Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok
Influencers are asking you to work out 5 times a week, stay within a calorie deficit, meal prep and lift weights to stay toned and have a ‘great’ body. When in reality, not everyone wants to do this and just because it works for one person, it does not mean it will work for us all. We are all individual with our own body
Being unhappy about the way your body looks long term can have a lasting impact on your health and wellbeing. Being obsessively worried about perceived ‘flaws’ in your appearance can stop you going out and socialising with friends; Worrying about what you will wear or what people will think of you.
Having people around you that support and build you up is so important for your confidence and wellbeing.
Body image is about your attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions of your own body. Positive body image is related to body satisfaction and acceptance. Be kind to yourself and improve your relationship with your body. Below are some ways to do this:
- Stop comparing yourself to others. When you are faced with ‘perfect people’ on television, social media and magazine covers, you will compare yourself to them. Researchers found that viewing others’ posts on social media can reduce self-esteem.
- Do activities that make you feel good. Attending classes and the gym may not be for you and therefore can make you feel unhappy. It is much easier to find something you enjoy such as a dance class or outdoor activity which will motivate you more.
- Find inspiration. Consider unfollowing and unsubscribing from pages that make you feel negatively toward yourself and replace them with content creators that uplift you.
- Appreciate its remarkability. How amazing is your body? It heals bones, it can create another life, it builds new cells each day- billions of them! And so much more. Focus on what your body can do instead of the way it looks or the things it can’t do.
- Negative into Positive. Speaking negatively about your body is unhelpful, especially about things you can’t change. What you say to yourself matters. It is unrealistic to go from loving to hating, but slowly work your way towards acceptance
Struggling with the way you look long term can be an indication of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) It’s a problem only you can see and can seriously affect all aspects of life such as relationships with family and friends, your work and also your studying. It can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts
Resource Links for Young People
Body image | Mental health support | YoungMinds
Body image in childhood (mentalhealth.org.uk)
Body image & identity | The Children's Society (childrenssociety.org.uk)
NSPCC | The UK children's charity | NSPCC
Resource Links for Parent/Caregiver
Parents Mental Health Support | Advice for Your Child | YoungMinds
How can we protect, promote, and maintain body image? | Mental Health Foundation
Support & advice for parents | NSPCC