Body Image: Boosting Your Body Positivity and Self-Esteem

Body image is the opinion you have of your physical appearance. This self-image arises in relation to societal beauty standards, positive or negative comments from family members and peers, and a host of other factors. Developing a positive body image will lead to a greater sense of well-being. By contrast, if you have a negative body image, you’re more prone to experience psychological and even physical distress.

Your body image comes from experiencing your physical self in multiple different ways. These are the four main aspects to consider:

1. 1. Affective: For some, body image dissatisfaction or contentment is a primarily emotional experience. If you have mainly negative feelings about your body, that means your affective body image is self-critical. If you feel positive when you think about your body, it means you have an upbeat affective image.
2. 2. Behavioral: Your body image is an idea first and foremost, but it always evolves into action. For instance, if you believe people will find you unattractive because of your weight, you’re more likely to begin engaging in excessive exercise, extreme dieting, or other problematic eating behaviors.
3. 3. Cognitive: Think of your cognitive body image as the mirror image of your affective body image. It is to your thoughts what the latter is to your emotions. Suppose you think negative thoughts about a specific body part. This will often roll over into a poor body image overall. The opposite is true when you engage in positive self-talk about your body.
4. 4. Perceptual: When you look at yourself in the mirror, ask yourself what you see. This is your perceptual body image. These perceived flaws can add up to an overwhelming feeling of self-consciousness and even self-hatred. Young people in their teens and twenties are especially susceptible to this sort of negative thinking.

Body image issues develop the same way all other insecurities do. Family members and peers who should have offered validation said mean-spirited things instead. Society taught you your self-worth hinged on a very specific type of aesthetic appearance. Mental health issues like anxiety and depression exacerbate these feelings of body shame.

Eating disorders and mental health conditions can develop as a result of having a negative body image. Here are four issues to look out for in yourself and others:

1. 1. Anorexia nervosa: Suppose a young person believes they are very overweight even though the outside observer would consider them far too thin. The person then begins to starve themself in an effort to encourage further weight loss. This loss of body weight can be dangerous and even deadly in some cases.
2. 2. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): Also known as body image disturbance, this form of dysmorphia leads people to see a different body shape and appearance in the mirror than objective observers do. It often leads to other disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Some people might seek out cosmetic surgery to alter their physical appearance for the same reason.
3. 3. Bulimia nervosa: This binge eating disorder arises from a deep sense of body dissatisfaction. People suffering from bulimia nervosa eat huge quantities of food only to then vomit them up soon afterward. In many cases, an intervention will be necessary to get people the help they need to recover from this illness.
4. 4. Disordered eating: A catch-all term for both restrictive and compulsive consumption, disordered eating leads people to develop an unhealthy attitude toward food. Rather than eat for sustenance or pleasure, they do so only with their body image in mind. Young adults are very susceptible to problems of this type. Seeking out mental health care or calling a relevant helpline can assist in the early phases of recovery.

If you have a positive body image, you’ll experience an abiding sense of self-acceptance. You will no longer judge your worth by a number on a scale or the cruel things people have said to you. When it comes to your physical health, you might engage in exercise and eat whole and healthy foods because they make you feel good and not because you’re ashamed. You will know you can be healthy at any size and will prioritize personalized medical advice over negative societal messaging.

It’s possible to learn to love how you look no matter who you are. Keep these steps in mind as you strive to improve your own body image:

• Dismantle beauty standards. The beauty ideals of a society almost always affect body image on a personal level. Millions of media images convince people unrealistic standards of thinness and beauty are attainable in real life. The sooner you can let go of these harmful beliefs, the faster you’ll be able to build a positive body image.
• Embrace body positivity. Instead of trying to attain a body ideal, learn to accept your body size as it is right now. Encourage others to accept themselves, too, and defend those who are receiving abuse. It’s never okay for other people to make rude comments about another person’s body, so call them out if they do so.
• Prioritize holistic wellness. Consider the risk factors of obesity alongside a multitude of other concerns. Eating disorders and mental health conditions can do just as much harm. Practice positive self-talk. Eat a well-rounded diet because it’s good for your mental and physical wellness. Engage in physical activity for the joy of it. Attain body satisfaction through self-acceptance and holistic wellness.
• Seek out support. Getting professional help to address body image concerns can prove useful. Mental health professionals can help you to learn to love yourself and your body. Cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychological tools will put you on the road to self-acceptance.

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