Many of us struggle with tying our self-worth to our looks.
How many of us compliment ourselves regularly?
Rather we criticize and place ourselves on a spectrum of perfection and flaw,
“This top highlights my belly folds”, “I should cover my arms” or “I must learn to contour to hide my double chin” are few thoughts that automatically come to the mind.
These thoughts bring up mixed feelings: frustration, guilt, anxiety, sadness, and disgust. Being stuck in a cycle of self-criticism happens because of unrealistic body ideals modelled by modern media. As a result, low self-esteem and confidence are common.
These emotions progress to unhelpful actions. The idea that “My worth depends on my appearance” can cause self-disgust and guilt, leading to behaviours such as overeating or starving. External stressors can worsen this, turning tendencies into serious behaviors.
Spotting these initial thoughts is hard, making it tough to see when they become habits. Understanding these thoughts, where they come from, and what keeps them going is a huge initial step. Ignoring these feelings raises the risk of eating disorders or body dysmorphia. So, it’s crucial to address these complex feelings.
Recognizing our value goes beyond appearance empowers us. Building a positive relationship with ourselves is an ongoing journey, but a valuable one to take.