Off

You Can Overcome Your Body Image Issues

(Photo: jenavive/Flickr)

The way you think about yourself and the way you think others are judging your body can cause an immense amount of harm to your mental health and the way you go about your life. With all of the images of air-brushed models and perfect people being constantly thrust at us, it is not surprising that more people than ever are suffering from body image issues, and in many cases, it is having a devastating impact on their lives.

If you are struggling with the way you think you look and how you feel about your body, it is important to know you are not alone and there is help available. In fact, here are some simple things you can do to start overcoming your body issues right now:

Be kind to yourself and others

Instead of always being in a negative state of mind, judging yourself and others for every little perceived flaw you can find, stop and be kind. Focus on the good stuff instead of the “ugly,” and you will be much happier as a result.

Stop comparing yourself to others

(Graphic: shalazizi/Flickr)

If you have body issues, one of the worst things you can do is compare yourself to others. There will always be someone better looking, and quite often you will be comparing yourself to people who are so different that you could never look like them anyway. It is pointless, and it is damaging. You are you, and they are them, so you should focus on making the best of yourself rather than trying to be them and beating yourself up because you are not.

Don’t diet

If you believe you are overweight and this is what is causing your body issues, the worst thing you can do right now is go on a diet. Dieting when you are in a fragile state of mind could lead to starving yourself, binging and even an eating disorder. Instead, aim to live a healthy lifestyle filled with nutritious food and regular exercise, and the problem will solve itself.

Solve problems

(Photo: franchise opportunities/Flickr)

Obviously, you can’t make your body taller if you are short or anything like that, but if you have body issues that are really ruining your life, it might be worth seeing what you can practically do about them. Exercising to lose weight and tone up, using makeup to mask skin flaws and even seeking cosmetic surgery if you think it will help you, you can learn about breast surgery here, are all radical things you might be able to do to give yourself a boost and overcome your body issues.

Think about how amazing your body really is

Instead of focusing on your scarred forehead or you big hips, think about all of the amazing things your body can do. It helps you to have fun, participate in hobbies, run, jump, have sex, have babies. Bodies are wonderful resilient things, so what does it really matter if they aren’t perfect?

If you are still really struggling with body image issues, it might be a good idea to see a counselor who can help you to overcome your issues and be more positive about your body.

Article by Alicia Baker