Cases of ED (Eating Disorders) usually involve poor body self-perception. This is one of the aspects that requires review for the development of a positive body image that helps solve the problem, but how to promote one’s own body acceptance?
The answer to the question becomes complicated if we think about the imposition of beauty canons to which people are constantly subjected. This imposition is frequently the cause of self-esteem deficits and different complexes.
They make it really difficult for us to accept our body unconditionally.
What is a negative body image?
It is one in which the person suffers from anxiety or is ashamed of themselves because of the way their body is. Usually, there is a distorted perception of one’s own image that causes anguish and discomfort.
Distorted body image in eating disorders
In the self-evaluation that these people make of themselves, appearance factors, weight, silhouette, etc., weigh heavily, which are a source of constant dissatisfaction. A dissatisfaction caused by unrealistic and mismatched weight and size goals, accompanied by a perceptual distortion of one’s own body.
The divergence between the person’s body self-perception and the physical ideal is what causes this deep dissatisfaction, making them feel rejected.
These people want to correct the supposed defects of their body to conform to social criteria and the aesthetic canon established and learned, in most cases, since childhood. In their eagerness to achieve this, many of them fall into eating behavior problems.
It must be said that these problems do not always appear when there is a negative body image. Sometimes they serve to make the person react to bad habits and opt for a healthier lifestyle, without this obsession only focused on appearance.
How to enhance body acceptance?
Tips to promote a positive image and unconditional acceptance
Make a list of all the good things you have
Not only your body, but also your personality, your best abilities, etc. Place it in a clearly visible place, for example, on the refrigerator.
Follow a balanced diet
To have good health it is essential to eat healthy, with balanced nutrition that provides all the nutrients your body needs.
Take into account the problems that affect your body image
Social pressures, personal problems, physical problems, surgical interventions, eating disorders, abuse, depression… It is necessary to identify what the problem was and, if necessary, seek specialized professional help to overcome psychological pain.
Accept your body with its peculiarities
In the event that there have been bodily changes after an illness or an accident, after the logical emotions of frustration, anguish, etc., and the aforementioned psychological pain has been overcome, the effort must be aimed at accepting the body and understanding that, as people, we are much more than the physical envelope.
Learn to pamper yourself
If your body asks for it, don’t give up putting on makeup, dressing, combing your hair and doing everything that makes you feel comfortable. And if you feel good just the way you are, without further ornamentation, that’s great too.
Be aware of the pressure from the media and social networks
Comparing yourself all the time with the bodies of models, actors, actresses, etc. and all that (retouched with a scalpel, with Photoshop or not) the media is willing to serve us, it is a nonsense that generates anxiety.
According to certain studies, today Instagram is the social network that most negatively influences people’s image and its misuse can increase the risk of developing an eating disorder.
There are no two equal bodies
Your body is unique, no two bodies are the same. There are no molds, everyone is as they are, so try to look at the bodies of others without prejudice. Beauty also lies in diversity, it is something much more complex than what they want to sell us.
Avoid negative people
Those who prefer to highlight a defect rather than say something nice, those who lack empathy and focus on the problems of others, do not deserve your company. Surround yourself with positive and respectful people and try to be that way too.
Exercise daily
Exercise is necessary to be healthy and, in the process, it can help you gain acceptance of your own body. Without obsessing, 30 minutes a day will be enough for your physical and mental health to improve.
Practice relaxation every day
Relaxing 15 minutes a day will allow you to recharge energy, reduce tension and help you accept yourself as you are. A unique person, nothing more and nothing less.
Do you have problems accepting your body? We can help you. .