- Fostering a Positive Body Image
- By: Edel Jarboe
Have you ever taken a good look
at the cover of women's fitness magazines? The models are thin
but they aren't "fit". They seem to be the direct opposite
of what the magazine is about - fitness. Shouldn't the cover
of a woman's fitness magazine show a real woman with muscle tone
and not just another "perfect" body? Unfortunately,
we'll probably never see a typical American woman on the cover
of any woman's magazine. Our society is very "outer oriented"
and it is the media's job to sell the myth of perfection.
|
According to the American Psychological
Association, 30-40% of Americans are somewhat unhappy with their
appearance while another 45% may experience anxiety or depression
due to dissatisfaction with their appearance. In other words,
we are buying into the myth.
We are also punishing ourselves
for not having perfect bodies. It's our body's fault that we
aren't happy- with our relationships, our jobs, and our lives.
Therefore, we deny our bodies desserts, new clothes, and even
love. Sadly, a lot of us hate our bodies (or certain parts) and
this negative body image poisons the rest of our self-image.
If you don't love all of you, how can you really be happy?
How do you protect your self-esteem
from the dangerous promise of perfection offered by the media?
Be honest with yourself and practice self-acceptance. Due to
genetics and body types, all of us can't be thin but we can all
be healthy. Instead of comparing yourself to a model on the cover
of a magazine, look in the mirror to find your own standard of
beauty. Ask yourself if you are feeding your body nutritious
foods and exercising regularly. |
|
Ask yourself if you are at a healthy
weight -for you. In addition, self-acceptance means that you
choose to feel good about yourself and to take care of yourself,
regardless of society's standards. If you love yourself, love
handles and all, your feelings about your body will not be influenced
by media images.
Make Peace with Your Body
1. Quit dissecting your body. "I like my thighs
but I hate my fat stomach," for example harm your self-image.
Appreciate how well your whole body works together to keep you
going strong. Love the whole you.
2. Don't punish your body by playing mind games
with food.
Food is not the enemy. Eat healthy but don't obsess. Allowing
yourself to enjoy treats helps prevent bingeing and keeps you
in control.
3. Focus on who you are and not just on what your
body looks
like. Acknowledge the whole you and not just your body. What
are your gifts, talents, and dreams? What have you done to uncover
your hidden assets? How many lives have you touched? How is the
world a better place because you are in it?
4. Speak lovingly and positively to yourself. Fight
negative self-talk by complimenting yourself. Look for the good
and praise it. Remind yourself how wonderful you are.
5. Take pleasure in just being alive. Be grateful
for all you have and all that you are able to experience. Life
is too short to be miserable over the external things that will
fade away with time. Focus on living each moment from the inside
out.
6. Pamper your body. Treat yourself to a facial,
a manicure, or a pedicure. Indulge in a long, hot bubble bath.
Wear a wonderful fragrance.
7. Take off your rose-colored glasses. Look at the
other real bodies around you. The majority of us are not models.
Appreciate the beauty of your own body and stop comparing yourself
to glossy media images.
8. Learn the basics of exercise and nutrition and
set realistic goals. Your focus should always be on your health.
9. Be the star of your own fitness program. Walk,
run, bike, or do aerobics. Exercise makes you feel good about
your body. Indulge your body in fun, feel-good activities often.
10. Dress up your self-esteem by taking care of your
appearance. Wear clothes that are flattering to your figure no
matter what size you wear. Stop waiting until you lose a"little
more weight" before feeling good about yourself.
11. Ask for support and encouragement from family
and friends when life is stressful and/or you are feeling down.
12. Focus on living a whole and fulfilled life- both
personally and professionally. Enjoy family, friends, and, most
importantly, life. Do something everyday that brings you joy. |
