Body image; what is it anyway? Why are so many people these days infatuated with their body image? For a lot of people body image is how they appear; what they look like on the outside. But if you understand yourself, you understand that body image is much more than that. If you understand the concept that body image is more than what you see in the mirror and it is more than just your physical appearance, you will be able to help others improve their body image. If you know someone who wants to improve their body image here are some tips on how to help.
Believe in Yourself
The first thing you need to understand about body image is that what you feel inside is always portrayed on the outside. Just like being angry on the inside often shows in your physical appearance and gestures; so your body image is portrayed. The first step in helping someone improve their body image is helping them become more confident in themselves. Here are some ways to do that:
•Have them make a list of things they are good at
•Have them find one part of their body they like
•Have them find a strong personality trait and tell why it is a strength
•Have them find a weakness and encourage them to build it.
These are of course basic ideas and just the beginning on a few ways you can improve your body image from the inside out. If you do not like who you are on the inside, what makes you think you will like what you see on the outside?
Achieving the Perfect Body
Although body image is much more than what you see on the outside, in today’s world there is so much emphasis placed on the physical appearance that this cannot be ignored. I hate to be the one to say it, but there really is no “perfect body.” However there are ways for you to set reasonable goals to get your body looking trimmer; more fit; and the way you would like it to look. Don’t be fooled by negative messages you see on TV, in magazines, or newspapers. Those ultra thin models you see have a lot of work done to them. Improving your body image will take a lot of hard work and exercise. You might need to change your diet; work out a little more; or eat a little less at meal time. This does not mean starve yourself. It has been statistically proven that more than half of the American population eats more than the allotted portion at meal times. Remember that helping others improve their body image means being realistic; and achieving the “perfect body” is not.
Get Active
It has been proven that people who regularly exercise feel better. Doctors have proven that there are certain chemical releases as one begins to exercise; neurotransmitters produced in the brain. Neurotransmitters determine our moods and emotions which also play a big role in how we portray ourselves. It only takes twenty minutes of aerobic activity every day to get you on your way to improving your body image. Here are some ways that exercise can help improve your body image:
•Helps control stress levels. It has been known that doctors often prescribe exercise for individuals that are anxious and nervous. Exercise offers a release of stress; a way for you to let go of negative emotions which can greatly affect the way you see your body.
•Helps you feel better. Think of the last time you really got out there and participated in something that got your heart rate up. Didn’t you feel better afterwards? Exercise gives you a feeling of self worth; an achievement of self discipline.
•Helps you eat more nutritionally. People who exercise regularly tend to have healthier eating habits; which in turn helps them feel good about themselves.
Remember that all things take time. Improving someone’s body image takes a lot of hard work and patience; not to mention time. These are just a few of the things you can do in your quest to help others improve their body image.
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