6-Step Plan to Beat Body Image Anxiety
The Shadows of Body Image Anxiety
According to research published by the American Psychological Association, teens and young adults who reduced their social media use by 50% for just a few weeks saw significant improvement in how they felt about their weight and overall appearance compared with peers who maintained consistent levels of social media use. Why? Because 90% of social media users alter their images. It’s overwhelming, it’s unrealistic, and it seems like an impossible game to play.
Photo by Hanna Postova on Unsplash
THE DEMONS OF PERFECTION
“Even the models we see in magazines wish they could look like their own images.”
― Cheri K. Erdman
Somehow, I have always put myself in highly competitive situations, from professional tennis to modeling to law school and writing a book. I am always looking for that ‘edge’ to make me better, succeed, win, to get there. But none of that compares to the impossibly perfect images that slap our faces every time we open our social media. And the intrusive thoughts that follow like an invisible hand choking our self-esteem.
How did she get those abs but still have those curves? That hair must take hours to do? Why can’t I do make-up like that? How I wish I could wear that bikini! She must be working out harder than me and better than me. I hate how I look!
But have you ever seen any of these people in real life? Probably not. Well, I have, some of them. And they are different from the image we have been presented with online.
They all must have their reasons to click on that app and make those abs pop more, to whiten their already beautiful smiles, or to change their entire dress size and eye color. They have been watching the same suffocating images of others…
But where does it take us? Will it end when we all look like aliens created by AI to take down the world with perfection?
No! Let’s stay human, please.
HOW HUMANS LOOK LIKE
Humans have stretch marks, cellulite mixed with dimples, and even stubborn acne scars that have drowned beneath gallons of tears. But we also have unique features that belong to us—that one thing we secretly love about our bodies. Maybe it’s our skin color, the thickness of our hair, or those almond-shaped eyes that sparkle when someone compliments them.
So, my philosophy on the matter has always been the same:
I appreciate what I’ve got, accept what I will never have, and change what is possible and vital to me.
For example, I am a natural blond, but my hair is quite dull. That’s why I get blonde highlights. It makes me feel good! If I want to feel strong, and fit into a dream dress, then I will eat well and follow a disciplined workout schedule.
You know what wouldn’t? Faking those things in my photos while my soul slowly crumbles beneath the guilt and desire. It is scientifically proven that reducing your social media usage will improve your mental health regarding body image anxiety. Why? Because we focus more on the real world, with real people walking among us.
I honestly can not understand how some influencers and celebrities, with all the resources to invest in themselves, still fake it. There’s integrity and beauty in the effort. If you have an image of yourself in mind, then the effort to reach that will be even more beneficial in the long run.
Yes, we should love ourselves how we are and not compare ourselves to others, but we secretly yearn for a specific body image. If you can work on it and realize it’s for your own good, then go for it. Why not? Life is ours to design.
6 STEP PLAN
TO START YOUR POSITIVE BODY IMAGE JOURNEY
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
Embrace the journey of self-acceptance by refraining from comparing yourself to the images online, even for inspiration. Remember, motivation is a powerful tool, but it's only effective when it's aligned with a realistic goal. The idea of transforming into a 7-foot-tall, tiny-waisted, big-eyed alien is not a realistic goal for anyone.
Do look at yourself in the mirror and get to know your body. Yes, it's scary, right? But it is yours, and it’s real. Glance over those curves, the shape of your face, and the softness of your curls. It’s okay.
Make mental notes (or actual notes) on the features you like about yourself. Trust me, you will be surprised how many you will actually find if you let yourself. Maybe it’s your nose or your cheekbones. Perhaps it's the unique color of your hair or those killer legs. Did you find yours? Great. Let’s move on then.
Let yourself feel the yearning. That main thing you desire to have when it comes to physical appearance. Standing in front of that mirror, you will know whether it can be achieved.
4.1. It can’t be achieved. For example, you wish you were five inches taller, but know you’re past growing. Or you want longer legs. We can’t accomplish that. So, let go of that jealousy of others who are taller. It’s their thing. You will have your own. And well, a good pair of heels or the proper clothing will help you feel taller anyway.
4.2 It can be achieved. For example, you might want to lose a few pounds to feel lighter, fit into a dream outfit, or even play a sport better. Or maybe you want a different hair color, a better style, or a whiter smile. Ok. We found the things you truly desire, and we can actually achieve them. Now what….
5. Make a plan! Depending on your desire, there will be a game plan. Instead of using TikTok's ‘skinny filter,’ find information about good nutrition and a healthy training plan to lose weight. There are many good ones online, or maybe someone in your life could help you develop one. The key here is to stick with it. It won’t be a quick fix. It will become your new lifestyle. Losing a few pounds will be a juicy cherry on the cake. If you want a cosmetic procedure done, for whatever your most profound insecurity is, do your search, find a reputable place, ask many questions, and try to be sure in your decision. If you believe it is right for you…then work hard, save money, and go for it.
6. Understand that nobody is immune to the pressures surrounding a ‘perfect’ body image. We all have mental journeys regarding how we perceive ourselves and how others see us. By this step, it is essential to realize that the only thing that matters is self-appreciation—the real kind. Be grateful for your body, but if there is that deep yearning, a realistic body image goal, then find a solution and fix it.
There you have it. It’s a journey. But our whole lives are a journey. Our bodies are our vessels to go through life. We are lucky to have them. Things that need to be faked will never feel legitimate and will allow us to feel that secret desire we are all looking for. Appreciate what you’ve got, change what you can, and know that social media is full of aliens pretending to be one of us.
