How to accept your body?

In our day and age, when the internet in general and Instagram in particular, are so popular, we are bombarded with a huge number of unrealistic and potentially harmful images of perfect bodies.

Actresses and singers whom we know to be older than middle age, don’t have a hint of wrinkles on their faces. Young women on Instagram have smooth skin, ideal faces, perfect teeth, no cellulite, flawless eyebrows and eyelashes, slim bodies… Aaah, stop it! So, how on earth can you love yourself when what you see in the mirror is quite different?

In these conditions, a treacherous thought appears as if on its own: if I don’t look like a model from a fashion magazine, that means I am not beautiful, and my body is not very fit, and my face is not ideal, and surely nobody will ever love me since I myself do not accept and love my body.

In our time of plastic surgeries, big and small, women often get trapped thinking: if only I fix my lips (breasts, nose, ears, eyelids) then my life will change and I will love and accept myself. No, friends. This is not how it works. As a rule, after the first operation, there is a second one, then a third one, etc., till infinity. But love for yourself still doesn’t come. 

What can you do?

First, we must emphasize that if you strongly dislike yourself or your body it makes sense to see a psychologist to figure out the causes of this phenomenon and to stop treating yourself as an evil stepmother.

But what can you start with if for now, you don’t have an opportunity to see a specialist?

1) Acknowledge your feelings.

Name them using specific words, call out your feelings and emotions.

2) Stop comparing yourself to others.

There are no ideal bodies! But there is makeup, photoshop, and photo-filters. What you see on your tablet screen, on TV, or in fashion magazines – is not real. Therefore, taking it as a basis for comparison is not fair towards yourself, to say the least. Comparing yourself to real people also doesn’t make sense since the criteria are too vague. You compare your legs with Naomi’s and get upset that the outcome is not favorable for you. But Naomi may be dreaming about the shape of your breasts or your beautiful hair. Everyone has their pluses and minuses!

3) Start taking care of your body.

Yes, the way it is now – not ideal, with wrinkles, freckles, and toes that are too big. What does your body need? Sauna? Massage? Regular moisturizing? Expensive and fragrant shower gel? Yoga? Swimming pool? Give your body the gift of love and care, even though for now you don’t notice any response.

4) Look at yourself with loving eyes.

How do you look at someone you love? What do you feel at that moment? Do you really evaluate separately the quality of their skin, height, and weight? How do you feel about their shortcomings? Do you feel irritation, or rather tenderness and understanding?

Try to look at yourself from this point of view. 

How would you look at yourself if you loved yourself? How would you speak about yourself? 

How would you dress, feed, and take care of yourself?

Start with something small! Acknowledge that you and your body have a right not to be ideal. It is important. And then it will be much easier to accept and love your body, which is an important part of you.