With everyone staying safe indoors so far this year, we’ve been lucky enough not to be bombarded with adverts everywhere talking about “getting your beach body ready” or the need to hit the gym every day like those videos we’ll regularly get suggested on our socials.
While having a positive body image is all too easy to talk about, being able to feel confident and happy with our bodies can be troubling, especially if we’re feeling a lot of pressure on ourselves to look a certain way. For many people, it’s simply something which cannot be ignored, which is why it helps to know of the ways to have a positive body image of yourself. Let’s take a look at some of the proactive measures we can try in daily life to have a positive body image and improve mental health.
The photo swap
When thinking about body image, many of us will tend to live in the past. What do I mean by this? Well, are you the type of person who would be one to compare how they look in the mirror now (I’ll talk more about that in a minute) with old pictures? For example, you might often flick back through photos from a few years ago on your profiles and compare them with how you look now. It may be the case that you have old photos in frames around the house.
If that’s true, it’s time for a photo swap. Out with the old photos and in the new. Much like the flush of embarrassment you get looking at old photos where you 100% thought you could pull that hairstyle off at the time, you shouldn’t feel embarrassed looking at personal photos. Get some new snaps in there and make yourself look (and feel) fabulous in the process.
The mirror test
If we’re embarrassed by our bodies, tackling that embarrassment is important. One way to do so is by employing mirror exposure therapy techniques. As described by Newbridge House, this is “approach recognised as being effective in reducing body image distress”.
It’s a technique where by taking the time to look at ourselves in the mirror, we’re able to confront our “problem” areas and reduce the anxiety we feel towards our own image. It is best to find a local therapist who can help with this, as it is challenging to carry out on your own.
Embrace the TLC
Self-care is a term banded around a lot these days, but are you taking the time out of your day to let your brain chill for a few minutes? And when was the last time you had a massage? When we feel embarrassed or reserved with our bodies, we’ll often put off the process of self-care. Flip that idea on its head and, as lockdown eases, go headfirst into finding ways to treat and pamper yourself.
I’m talking about the likes of massages, face masks and comfier new clothes at home (trust me, new joggers after a day working from home is bliss) will all work to make you feel better.
Unfollow Party
Are there accounts on your socials you always fixate on? Maybe you spend a little too much time getting jealous at certain people who seem to look flawless and appear to be having the best time ever? Well, guess what? They’re probably not, and you shouldn’t be letting yourself think negatively from looking at your phone.
A simple unfollow detox is the way to go. Whenever you recognise a specific account may be making you feel bad about yourself, unfollow them. It won’t be any loss to you or them.
Improve your vocabulary
You don’t have to be like Homer Simpson and improve your wordiness with a turn of phrase such as “My gastronomic rapacity knows no satiety” (by the way, it’s from the episode Bart’s Friend Falls in Love if you want to watch it again). Merely understanding that what you say could impact you negatively is important.
Try and think positively about how you approach talking about yourself and your body image. Instead of asking yourself “Am I losing weight?” you should be asking “Am I feeling healthier?”.
There’s a big difference between the two and understanding as such can do a lot to help how you view yourself.
Improve your health
Hopefully, there are tips in this article which will see you feel better about your body image. Don’t forget, the health section of the site has other articles to help with all aspects of health.
