Practically everyone is self-conscious about their appearance, especially when it comes to beauty, weight, and body proportions. After all, we all want to look our best – for our own satisfaction, as well as to make a positive impression on others.
However, many people struggle with body image, especially with models and celebrities influencing our concept of physical perfection on a daily basis. As a result, people who are dissatisfied with the way their bodies look are at great risk of developing issues such as:
- Lower self-esteem
- Mood disorders
- Eating disorders
- Body and muscle dysmorphia
- Relationship problems
- Self-harm tendencies
Managing your Body Image
Being comfortable in your own skin is important for both your mental and physical health. Here are several ways to manage your body image and boost your self-esteem:
Recognize your positive qualities.
Instead of dwelling on your perceived imperfections, focus on what pleases you and draws compliments from others (e.g., your personality, your talents, your communicative skills, your kindness, etc.). Additionally, focus on features you love about yourself, as there are bound to be some things you love about your body.
Make a point of socializing with people who are positive and supportive.
Beauty is only skin deep may be a cliché, but it is nonetheless true. So, surround yourself with friends, colleagues, and loved ones who are beautiful on the inside and bring joy, love, and laughter into your life. Avoid negative or toxic surroundings and spend your time with those who make you feel loved and wanted.
Wear clothes that are comfortable and make you feel confident about yourself.
Rather than following fashion trends, dress the way you Experiment with assorted styles and colors, but choose to wear what makes you feel attractive and at ease with yourself.
Be active and exercise.
Aside from improving your physical health, exercise and an active lifestyle have been found to have positive effects on one’s mental health. It improves mood, combats stress, and generally helps to make you feel better about yourself. If you prefer, meditation or yoga can be just as beneficial as a workout.
Seek professional therapy.
If you are depressed or extremely dissatisfied with your physical condition, discussing your feelings with a qualified therapist can help you overcome your emotional issues and significantly improve your quality of life.
Experienced Therapists in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA
Being self-confident, especially about your body, can enable you to lead a more active, productive, and fulfilling life. An effective way to improve your body image is to talk with a behavioral therapist at Atlanta Specialized Care. Our caring team of board-certified specialists provides expert counseling and can help you deal with your self-image issues.
Our therapists have many years of experience and are adept at treating children, adolescents, and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, the autism spectrum, impaired executive functioning, personality challenges, and substance abuse issues.
For more information about our areas of expertise or to request an appointment at our office, please call Atlanta Specialized Care at (770) 815-6853 or arrange a consultation online by using our interactive appointment request form.
