All of us have a mental representation of how we look like, however, it might not be actually what others see when they look at you. This is called a Body Image. This image that you have about your body is extremely distorted and is mostly influenced by your attitudes, beliefs, early life experiences, parental influence etc. Consequently, Your attitude i.e, feelings, thoughts and moods are dependent on your Body Image of yourself. This kind of distorted image about body and preoccupation with perfection in bodily features is more common in women than in Men.

If you have a negative representation of your body in your mind, you would suffer from a poor self-esteem, insecurity and this could affect your overall wellbeing. Most of us have a want to alter something about our body or appearance like your nose that is too broad, a birthmark that sits at the center of your face, hairs that are too wavy etc. Some people are completely at peace with any imperfections they have and some people can go to any extent to undo the perceived image through various methods. It is ok if you go through a hair loss treatment or use make-up to hide the imperfections on your face but if you are preoccupied with how bad you appear bodily and experience shame, dissatisfaction, anxiety, and significant discomfort, you suffer from a negative Body Image.

Here are some steps for a Positive Body Image:

Acknowledge what your body does for you

There are a lot of functions that your body does for you other than just looking good and being appreciated for that. Your body takes you from point A to Point B and helps you to fulfill all your dreams. You dance, you run, walk, laugh, breathe because of this physical body.

Do not avoid your Body

If you usually avoid cameras or mirrors because you do not want to get anxious about how bad you look; Stop doing that! Know your body as it is with all the imperfections that it has. Approach mirrors and look at yourself as A whole package and do not just focus on what you don’t like. Accept the reality!

Do not compare

Stop comparing your physical attributes to that of others. It is difficult and automatic in people with a negative body Image but tries to check when you compare, with whom and make a note of every detail. Ask a few questions to yourself like, Is it okay to compare? How do you feel when you do so? What could be a substitute for this that is more realistic and helpful for you?

Make a list

There must be a lot of things that are very positive about you and your body. List them down and read them often; you will find out a lot of positive things that you never knew existed.

Be kind to yourself

Buy clothes that you know would make you look good and do not keep unreasonable expectations about how stylish you have to be. All of us have a style of our own, try to build upon that and work with your body and not against your body. Pamper yourself with a parlor visit, take a bubble bath or nap peacefully for a few extra hours.

Examine your Assumptions

Check what you are assuming as an evidence to support your negative body image and be realistic about the facts. You can discuss with your friends, family or therapist as to what and why you dislike certain things in your body and hear what they have to say about it. Change these assumptions and replace them with reasonable thoughts.

Know Dr Prerna Kohli