WHAT IS BODY IMAGE?

Body image is a term that describes how we think and feel about our body, including:

How satisfied we are with our bodies

How accurate are our self-perceptions

How much we value what others think about our bodies

In short, body image is complex and refers to a whole range of ways that help us think about our thoughts and feelings about our bodies.

This statistic tells us two things.

1. If you are struggling with body image difficulties, you are not alone.

2. Body image is directly related to our mental health.

This means that body image concerns are real, common, and we must not simply ignore how we feel about ourselves. Most of us would agree that we still need more information about our body image - especially how to change our body image to be healthier.

Healthy body image = acceptance

Healthy body image ≠ perfection

Research shows that pursuing an unrealistic ideal can create useless attitudes toward ourselves. We begin to seek perfection, based on the ideals we see around us. Even if we know that no one is perfect - sometimes we are convinced that we should strive for perfection.

WHAT AFFECTS BODY IMAGE?
1. LIFE EXPERIENCES
There are many life experiences that can affect the way we think and feel about our body. Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most significant experiences that have an impact on our body image. Divorce or separation, as well as birthdays or aging, can also change our body image. Some body image difficulties are the result of traumatic life experiences, such as abuse or harassment. It is important to recognize when there is a past trauma that has an impact on how we feel about ourselves. Sometimes we get the impression that if we change the way we look, we can change the way we feel inside. But it often doesn't work that way. Processing difficult feelings is essential for a healthy body image and good mental health.
Tip 1
Changing the way we look will not change the way we feel inside. It may be helpful to process difficult thoughts and feelings with a trained therapist or mental health professional.

2. THE INTERNET
Most of us get body image information from online sources. The Internet provides a wealth of knowledge, but it can also distort our perceptions of ourselves, especially when compared to others. What we see online can give us an inaccurate idea of ​​physical perfection and reduce our self-confidence. Some of us are looking for positive sources for the body - others of us tend to absorb useless information. Some of us are not aware of what we see online. We all sometimes absorb information without realizing that it has an impact on how we think and feel about ourselves. The way we use social media reflects the way we do other things in life. Having a balanced diet sometimes means consuming less of what is unhealthy and more of what is healthy for our body. The mind works the same way! By being aware of what we consume online, we can more easily achieve a healthy and balanced life on the Internet.

Tip 2
It is useful to ask myself how I think and feel when I surf online. Does the content I view make me compare myself to others? Do I feel negative about myself during or after viewing content online? If so, I can change what I see so that I have a balanced online experience

3. ADVERTISING COSMETIC TREATMENTS
Most of us (actually 93% of us) have seen advertisements for cosmetic treatments. Facebook is probably the most common means of communication for these ads, but TV, Instagram, and posters on high street clinics are also frequently used to promote offers. Even dental clinics now promote cosmetic treatments that go beyond the realm of dentistry.
Advertisements for cosmetic treatments can easily create feelings of inadequacy. They may give us the impression that we need to put money and pain into procedures to get a certain look, to be attractive, desirable or desirable. This is the emotional result of a well-developed product marketing technique. And it causes almost 2/3 of us to click on the ad and find out more.
It's important to be aware and aware of the effect of advertising. In this way, we can make decisions about our self-care and appearance that are in our best interests
Tip 3
Marketing techniques are designed to get an emotional response from us. Notice the feelings and thoughts that come with watching commercials and promotions. We can take note of what influences our feelings about ourselves.

4. THINK ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
We know that body image is related to mental health. People who struggle with self-harm, eating disorders, or body dysmorphia are particularly vulnerable to body image concerns. Some anxiety problems and mood swings, such as depression, can also have a negative effect on our self-talk and reduce our attention to goodwill and self-care. Understanding mental health and what affects us can be so helpful in having a healthy body image. When we fight in one area, the other may be affected. It's about the same as our physical health, which also interacts with our body image. Conditions such as diabetes, hormone regulation problems or the side effects of some medications can create additional challenges for our body image.
Tip 4
When our body image collapses, we can consider what might have an impact on it. Has our mood dropped? How are my energy levels? Did I eat and sleep normally? Is it possible that hormones or a major change in my life affect the way I feel about myself? All these questions and answers can be clues to help us realize and understand the unique and personal experience within our own body.