Hi lovelies,
How you look is not who you are. In the modern world of advertising and social media, too much emphasis is placed on appearance. Marketing campaigns make us feel like we are not beautiful enough in a bid to drive purchases of makeup, perfume and moisturisers. Instagram feeds are awash with gorgeous influencers with toned bodies and perfect smiles. It’s no wonder then that 61% of adults today have a negative body image.
But it shouldn’t matter what you look like. Your complexion or the size of your thigh gap is not important in the grand scheme of things. What really matters is your character: the kind of person you are, your values, and your actions. Looks come and go, but character is an immutable part of your being.
If you are unhappy with your appearance, you would do well to remember this fact next time you start to obsess over your looks. To help you boost your confidence and mental health, here are four ways to improve your body image.
Turn off your phone
With advances in modern technology over the past two decades, almost every child in the Western world has their own smartphone with unfettered access to the internet. Young girls are experiencing increasing pressure to look and act a certain way, leading to low self-esteem and mental health issues. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to spend less time on your phone, particularly on social media. Set timers to limit your use of apps, or turn it off altogether. Spend this time more wisely on activities that make you feel good such as socialising with loved ones, exercising or reading your favourite books.
Wear your favourite clothes
It’s time to stop worrying about what other people think, and be your own person. Wear the clothes that you want to wear. The ones that make you feel comfortable in your own skin. Style your hair in whatever way you like and wear your favourite Cap America hat whenever you wish. Ignore the haters and dress just for you.
Find a new focus
When the people who truly love you look at you, they don’t see the same flaws and imperfections that you do when you look in the mirror. They see all your strengths and positive attributes that make you who you are. They might see your intelligence, your shining personality, or your sharp sense of humour. Work out your best characteristics and focus on these rather than obsessing over the way you look. You will learn to look at yourself in a new light and gain a whole new level of confidence.
Avoid negativity
If there are people around you who make you feel bad about yourself, you should make a conscious effort to remove them from your life. These might be classmates, coworkers, or even overly-critical family members. You could have a word with them about their judgments and attitudes or you could avoid spending time with them altogether. Spend time with those who make you feel happy and confident instead. Life is too short to surround yourself with negativity.
