How is your body image? Do you beat yourself up for the way you look? Do you focus on your flaws? If so, you are not alone. Many women struggle with body image concerns for many reasons. One major reason is because images of the ideal woman are plastered all over the media. Everywhere we look we see images of the so-called perfect woman. However, most of these images are photo shopped and not even real people. The impression is that if we just use these certain products, follow a certain diet, or have a specific procedure that we could look perfect too. However, this is just an illusion. Most of us are average women and you can choose to focus on your flaws, or the things that make you beautiful.
If you are focusing on the negative aspects of your body, you may want to wonder why. Is it because you are angry, frustrated or upset about other things and you take it out on your body? Perhaps it’s time to work on changing your negative thinking patterns.
1. The first step is to be aware of what you are saying to yourself in your head. These thoughts occur automatically and you may not even be aware that you are thinking them. Try to pay attention to them. Through practice you can change the way you think and talk to yourself.
2. Next you will want to look at the triggers that set off your negative body image thoughts. What feelings come up when these triggers are activated? Some common activators are seeing yourself in the mirror, trying on bathing suits, going to the beach or someone commenting on your appearance.
3. Then you want to think about your beliefs regarding your negative body image. The way you think and make meaning of the situation will determine the feelings that come up. Perhaps you are at the pool or beach. If you are feeling bad about yourself or tell yourself that you are fat, then you will have negative emotions. However, if you learn to be more realistic, i.e. recognizing that a persons worth is not based on the way they look, or recognizing that women come in all shapes and sizes, then you are more likely to feel better about yourself.
4.What are the consequences of these negative thinking patterns? Do you cover up so no one will see you, or do you prevent yourself from going to the pool and being with your friends? You may be missing out on having fun. The more you withdraw from others, the worse you will feel about yourself.
If you are struggling with body image concerns, therapy can help. Give me a call at 713-304-6554.
Take care,
Debbie
