Mental Health Mental Health Basics

Improving Your Body Image

Such specificity gives you a target to work toward and helps you track your progress. As you achieve these goals, you’ll find your self-esteem growing and your body image will improve.

Shifting Your Attitude
Of course, there are always some things about your body that cannot be changed. We can never gain that extra 2 inches of height that we believe will make our lives perfect. And unless genetics are on our side, we can never get that “six-pack” look in our abdominals no matter how many crunches we perform.

It is important that you learn to accept these aspects of yourself as they are. Poor body image can have serious consequences – a recent study by three organizations (Bradley Hospital, Butler Hospital and Brown Medical School) found that poor body image contributes to depression, anxiety and suicidal feelings in adolescents.

Negative self-talk is the main source of poor body image. It is all too easy to obsess about the handful of things you don’t like about your body and to forget about all the other aspects of your appearance, and your person, that you do like.

Comparing yourself to others – whether it’s the slim girl next door or the airbrushed ideals presented by Hollywood and Madison Avenue – is sure to undermine your body image. Every person has a unique combination of genes that influences how they appear. Instead, try concentrating on positive aspects of your body and your life.

Although it may seem corny, talking to yourself about those positive things can help banish negative thoughts. Wish your fingers were more slender? Try not to focus on them. Instead, think about how much you like your blue eyes, or your long, auburn locks.

It also is important to remind yourself that your value reaches far beyond your physical appearance. Reflect on the positive things you have achieved during your day or in recent weeks. Think about the things for which you are grateful, from the love of your family to the warmth of the sun on a nice day.

Many experts suggest that taking a brief moment each day to consider at least three positive things about your life can substantially reduce negative emotions, including those related to body image.

Getting Help
Setting goals and using positive self-talk can go a long way toward turning around your feelings about your body. However, in some cases feelings of poor body image can become overwhelming. Fortunately, professional help is available.

Talk to your doctor if you feel depressed or anxious, or if you begin to develop signs of an eating disorder. Psychological counseling and attending support groups can help you to reframe your thoughts and to develop habits that foster a healthier body image.

The pattern of thinking negatively about your body did not occur overnight, and it will take some time to learn more positive thoughts and behaviors. But gradually, your body image will improve, leaving you to feel happier and more confident in your day-to-day life.

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