How to Love Your Body Image

Does this sound familiar to you? Do you regularly express fears about becoming too fat? Do you constantly compare yourself to others? Do you avoid certain social activities because of the way you look? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you could be suffering from a negative body-image.

Well, you are not alone. The American culture tends to be obsessed with weight, facial beauty and hair. As a result, women along with men usually suffer from some form of a poor body image at one time in their life. However, don’t despair. You don’t have to live with this condition. A poor body image can be overcome by following a few simple rules.


Rule #1 - view advertisements with a critical eye
Let's face it. Most advertisers are trying to sell you a fantasy - a fantasy that by using a certain spray or cream, you will transform into the image of the beautiful model portrayed in their advertisement. They cleverly use these unattainable images to make you feel inadequate. For this reason, millions of people part with their hard earned cash each year with the hope of transforming into someone else. However, its time to take a stand. Think about what the advertisers are really trying to sell and don’t buy the hype. After all, probably 90% of what you’ve bought in the past hasn’t really worked anyway. You are still you.

Rule #2 - reject stereotypes
Once you’ve developed your critical eye, think about the people you know. How many of them look like the models you see in the movies or music videos? Does this make you love them any less? Always remember that diversity is the key to life. For this reason, people, like flowers, come in different shapes, shades and sizes. Yet, they all are beautiful. So, the next time you are tempted to tell yourself you should look a certain way, remind yourself that you are an original. No one can do you better than you.