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by Dr.Meghna varma
How do you feel when you look at yourself in the mirror? Do you feel a twinge of discomfort? Does you mind come up with 20 things that you could change about yourself? Do you hear a voice shouting comments like - “ You are so fat”,“ Eww look at how your tummy wobbles”?
Body image is how we think & feel about ourselves physically & how we think others perceive us. Body image issues occur when people struggle with the way they look. These issues may relate to weight, birthmarks or a disability.
In puberty, most kids are occupied with thoughts about how they look and it's totally normal. However, when such thoughts & feelings become an obsession at puberty or any other point of your life, they can make your daily tasks such as eating right, dressing well and socialising more difcult. It can also result in:
We all get worked up about how we look at times & it's totally normal. But if you are obsessing over it, know that things can get better & there are people who can help you overcome it.
Know that beauty doesn't come in particular shape & size - everyone sees differently & there's no right or wrong way to look.
Here are a few ways to rework on how you see yourself in the mirror & in your mind:
The judgemental comments you make about your body are highly detrimental to body image. Shift your focus from what you feel are the not-so-good things to the more positive aspects about your body.
A great way to achieve a more positive & balanced perspective about yourself is to maintain a gratitude journal. Everyday, write down 3 things you are grateful for about your body. You may add things like - 'Im thankful for my long healthy hair”, “Im thankful for my body's strength & resilience”, “I choose love over selfhatred”.
At some point we all tend to compare ourselves to others. But for some, negatively comparing oneself to others becomes an obsession. Make a note of when you tend to compare yourself to others, who you compare yourself to & what you say to yourself when this happens.
Notice if the internal talk is realistic & fair to yourself. If its not then stop yourself in the tracks & change the conversation. Learn to love & appreciate your body for what it is.
It is much easier to love & accept yourself when people around you are positive, supportive & less critical. Surround yourself with people who understand the importance of loving & accepting oneself .
Watch the kind of images, messages, slogans that ll your newsfeed on social media. Counteract messages that emphasise size zero bikini bods & nd messages that are more body positive & support body acceptance