You’ve probably heard the term body image thrown around before. Whether you are talking with friends, listening to the news, or watching television, it’s hard to avoid such a common term, but what is body image?
What Is Body Image?
To understand body image, then you have to know what body image is. Imagine waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror. What do you see? How do you feel about how you look? These questions you’re asking yourself are what body image is. Your feelings about your image, whether positive or negative, are what body image is. Many people believe body image has only to do with weight, but that’s not necessarily the case. Body image can be about how you feel about your body regardless in general. It is also no secret that women end up having more body image issues than many because of unrealistic beauty standards set for women in various media forms.
What Causes Body Image Issues?
Body image issues start when they hear anything related to their bodies or see other people with bodies they believe are the standard. The media puts too much emphasis on what a body should look like. Social media is showing that only attractive people are the ones who succeed. When people look in the mirror and do not like what they see, they start developing negative body image issues. Body image issues can also be caused by bullying or family and friends being too critical of their weight or looks.
What Can We Do About Body Image Issues?
Changes in how we see and appreciate the body in society would be a step in the right direction. Unfortunately, that will not happen for a long time if we think realistically. However, you can start making minor changes to how you view the world around you. If you’re not suffering from body image issues but know someone who is, send them compliments from time to time. You do not see how the power of positive words can affect someone who thinks negatively of themselves.
Changing how we approach how we view our bodies will take time, but it is worth doing so people do not fall into unhealthy habits to try to have the “perfect” body.
