ADAPT

Everyone has a body image that is, we all have some sort of idea of how our body looks and is perceived by others. The relationship we have between our thoughts and our physical being is one of the most significant relationships we have during our lives.  

When we are young, body image gets especially complicated especially during adolescence, when our bodies begin to really change. Adolescents are often oversensitive towards their bodies during the onset of puberty. The overexposure to the media directs young people to examine their bodies and even measure their physical appearance against unrealistic computer enhanced images.

Adolescent years are often full of confusion, self-doubt and the search for an identity, compounded by dramatic physical changes taking place in the body.

Most of us focus on things we don’t like about our bodies. We tend to totally overlook the fact that we have good bits as well. If we say negative things often enough to ourselves we really start to believe them and in turn find it even harder to say something in praise of ourselves.

Seeing your body in a positive way, will improve your outlook and how you respond to other people. Remember, until you learn to respect your body as much as your mind, behaviour and attitudes, you will never wholly respect yourself.

The Benefits

• You’ll glow with inner confidence feel good about yourself and accept that even a most precious diamond has flaws
• You’ll know you are unique and will therefore stop comparing yourself to anyone else (especially super models)
• You’ll say goodbye to "bad hair days". No longer will spots or unruly hair rule your mood, turning potential good times into nightmares.
• You’ll no longer be so critical of your friends. By accepting that everyone is unique and by being proud of yourself, you will stop being “Little Miss/Mister Critical”.
• You’ll become more comfortable around others and no longer hide behind chairs worrying that someone, will notice you. Instead you’ll be mingling and making chit-chat.
• “Get thin fads” and crash diets will pass you by. Your body is a temple and you’ll do nothing to harm it.
• Words will never hurt you again. Those nasty uncaring comments that once would have made you cry for a week will no longer bother you. Because you are more level headed you’ll accept fair criticism, when you recognise it’s for your own good.

What Causes an Image Problem?

Poor body image can be brought about in lots of different ways and under the influence of key people in our lives e.g. parents, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends. It can also be caused by those who’s main interest is self-interest e.g. media and diet industry.

What can you do about your self-image TODAY?
The first step in dealing with low self-image is to realise that there are things that you can change and things you can’t.

Make a list of the things you can change and the things you can’t change. Develop and action plan to help you work on the things you can change. Set yourself realistic goals and work at your own pace to achieve these goals.

If you make a decision to change something you dislike remember the following:

• It won’t make all your other problems disappear.
• It won’t happen overnight. 
• If your plan does not work first time try again.
• Working towards your goal at your own pace is more likely to end in success.

The things which can't be changed are a fundamental part of you. You can chooseto accept them or choose to let them get you down. By accepting them, this won't mean that you'll become instantly and blissfully happy,but it will mean that you can stop blaming the "unchangeables" for all your misfortunes.

Reinforcing the Good

On a big sheet of paper write down all your good points and don’t let false modesty hold you back. Pin this list above the mirror in your room, read it regularly and update it. Take a good look at your list and imagine that someone else had all these traits.
Would you like them?
Would you want to be friends with them?
Of course you would.

• Accepting who you are “warts and all” will increase your self-esteem and give you a firm belief in your own abilities.  
• A feeling that you’ve got something to offer the world. 
• A positive attitude that you can be and do what ever you work at.
• The strength to resist those who may try to control your life.
• Inner beliefs in yourself so the comments and opinions of others won’t get you down.
• The courage to overcome fear of failure.

Finally Remember!

If you like yourself you will like others.
If you respect yourself you will respect others.
If you accept nothing is perfect, you won’t ask for perfection in others.
To make the world a better place you have to start with yourself and work outwards.

Adapted from: Self-Esteem Learn to Believe in Yourself by Anita Naik