What is it about beauty standards that keep us in this constant, vicious cycle of
comparison and self- loathing? It seems like dominant societal messages would have us on a never-ending chase for beauty and perfection. Weight Watchers tells us to count the points, Covergirl tells us to try their newest bronzer and celebrities tell us to be bold. If we do all of that, hold our breath and spin around 5 times, we just might have a chance at this beauty thing. At least, that’s what society says. We have just a glimmer of hope to be the “it girl”. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with healthy eating or wearing makeup. Where things become problematic is when we are told that there is only one standard of beauty. When women are constantly told that if we don’t fit into this predetermined mold of beauty, we are somehow less feminine or attractive. We are told that living life to the fullest hasn’t begun until we’ve lost those pesky 5 pounds. It’s almost like we have to look a certain way before society gives us permission to be happy.
Studies have shown that as early as 6 years old, girls begin to worry about their weight and body image. These standards have been harmful to some and dramatically impacts what we eat, what we wear and how we choose to move our bodies.
What if we worked together to create our own inclusive definition of beauty? The definition where all are included and accounted for. The definition that doesn’t shame or make our wonderfully dynamic existence fit into one checkbox. Listed below are some ways in which we can begin to create a positive body image.
Put less emphasis on how you look and more emphasis on how you feel: Society says that beauty standards and body image are intrinsically intertwined. It seems there’s no separation of the two. Let’s start viewing a healthy body as a beautiful body. Appreciate your body for all it can do!
Try some positive affirmations: Our body is a vessel, capable of amazing processes and its worth is not solely defined by its appearance. Start with phrases like, “I am worthy” or “I am smart, strong and capable” and say them to yourself in the mirror. If you’re finding it difficult to say these affirmations out loud, try writing them down on a sticky note, placing them in a space that’s part of your morning routine.
Be a critical consumer: Research shows that things like social media and other outlets can impact how we view our bodies. We can unconsciously begin comparing our lives to the filtered, edited and “perfect” lives social media may portray. This doesn’t mean uninstall all social media–it has its advantages. Just be careful that you’re not using it as a comparison tool to criticize yourself and your worth.
Working towards a positive body image takes time, it takes intention, and patience. The work is far from easy, but trust me, you’re worth it. Let’s allow ourselves to take up space; a space where we radically accept our bodies because it is wonderfully and authentically our own.
“Positive body image isn’t believing your body looks good; it is knowing your body is good, regardless of how it looks.” - More than a body (book) authored by Drs. Lindsey and Lexi Kite
References
Capetola, A. (2021, February 18). 15 Body Image Statistics. BALANCE Eating Disorder Treatment Center. https://balancedtx.com/blog/body-image-statistics
Kite, L., & Kite, L. (2020). More than a body (pp. 206–207). Houghton, Mifflin, and Harcourt.
National Eating Disorders Association. (2018, February 22). National Eating Disorders Association.
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/ten-steps
Pedersen, T. (2023, February 27). How Does Social Media Affect Body Image? Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/how-the-media-affects-body-
image#negative-effects
5 ways to practice positive body image. (2020, June 5). Health & Wellness Services.
https://www.colorado.edu/health/2020/06/05/5-ways-practice-positive-body-
image
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