The struggle with body image reaches into nearly every corner of life. It affects behavior, relationships, mood and more. If you struggle with body image, you know it. But what is not easy to know is how to heal it. Healing your body image is possible. Read on for how.
What is ‘unhealthy’ body image?
Problematic body image is characterized by unrealistic standards, all-or-nothing ideas or is rooted in the approval of others. An unhealthy image has a negative affect on mood, self esteem and relationships.
For some people, body image leads to eating disorders. For others, they become fixated on changing their body through diet, exercise or medical/surgical enhancements. Some people will experience isolation and difficulty in relationships. And it’s not uncommon for negative body image to get in the way of academic or career advancement.
Importantly, in the midst of the all the difficulties, the person struggling will believe that if their body was different, all the problems would be solved.
Problematic Body Image can sound like:
- unrealistic standards for appearance, muscularity, size or attractiveness, example: “I should always look my best.” or “Physically attractive people have it all.”
- belief that the body is the primary thing people see, the most important aspect of a person, ex: “The 1st thing people will notice about me is what’s wrong with my appearance.”
- seeing body as something that others will approve or disapprove of, ex: “If people see how I really look, they will like me less.”
- using body or appearance as a way to feel certain, in control of feelings, relationships or other situations, ex: “By controlling my appearance, I can control my social life or emotional life.” (adapted from The Body Image Workbook, TF Cash, 1997).
3 ways to heal body image
Positive thinking is not enough. We need to see the body in more helpful and realistic ways. Here are three alternative approaches that can help heal body image.
1) Body-neutrality
WebMD describes body neutrality as “simply the act of taking a neutral stance toward your body – both emotionally and physically. That means not supporting the hatred towards your body’s “limitations” or investing time and energy to love it either. You can simply be at peace with your body.” https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-is-body-neutrality
Body positivity may have brought some relief from unrealistic body standards – allowing more space for people of all shapes and sizes to love themselves. But over time, positivity can also be oppressive. Always being in love with a body is maybe unrealistic in its own way.
Neutrality, on the other hand, frees us from the idea that a body should be loved or hated. The body just is, and that’s ok. This approach can feel more realistic as we navigate the natural changes in body and health over a lifetime. And it makes it easier to make choices based on health rather than appearance.
2) Functional approach
A functional approach prioritizes what the body can do over appearance. It is an approach based on gratitude for the ways the body supports our life and activities.
Walking, being able to do things we enjoy, appreciation for how the body allows us to feel are all examples of how this approach might sound. It is step away from comparison that is common in problematic body image. Instead appreciating the all the functions our body does and allows us to do.
3) Spiritual approach
A spiritual approach isn’t religious. It’s simply tapping into a truth that you are more than your body. Regardless of religious stance or belief in God, a spiritual approach can offer freedom from problematic body beliefs.
There are many ways this approach can be used, depending on what appeals to you. Some might connect with what makes them unique, or who they really are inside. Others might use meditation or prayer to develop a greater awareness of the non-physical aspects of themselves. Personal values and being more linked with purpose in life can help to view the body more realistically.
Get help for Body Image Today
Start therapy for Body Image in Katy, TX
Getting extra support is important if body issues or an eating disorder is affecting your mood or daily life. Talking to a supportive friend, limiting negative body image messages and good self care can all help. Psychotherapy and counseling can also be a great help for improving body image. If you are struggling with an eating disorder along with poor body image, extra support could be essential in your healing.
I offer counseling for body issues, eating disorders, mood problems (anxiety and depression), trauma and relationship issues (communication, anger, boundaries) in-person or virtually. Contact me to arrange a consultation to discuss your needs. Click here to contact me now.
