What is "Our Body Image" and how does it relate to body shape and self-esteem.

What does it mean when we refer to our body image and how does it relate to our body shape and self-esteem? Well in simple terms our body image is how we see ourselves in the mirror or picture ourselves in our minds eye. It's what you believe about your own appearance, how you feel about your body shape including your height & weight and how you feel in your body not just about your body. These are feelings and beliefs that also involve how much you value yourself and appreciate your own worth. This is commonly known as your self-esteem and is very important because when you feel good about yourself you are more confident and enjoy life more.

Our body image is formed out of every experience we have ever had, parents, role models, and peers who gave us an idea of what it is like to love and value our body. Image is formed from the positive and negative feedback from people whose opinions matter to us. It is also the way we ourselves have perceived our body shape to fit, or not, the cultural image. Many women have a distorted perception of what their bodies look like and I think it is very rare today for women to feel good about their bodies when the media is constantly telling us to be thin in order to portray the right image and fit the cultural ideal. This does nothing for our self-esteem of course and is really an unrealistic and unfair position to put ourselves in but we still do it.

We will usually view our body image in either a positive or negative way and  these will be typically described through the following perceptions. In a negative image you will perceive parts of your body unlike they really are and have a distorted perception of your own body shape. You will be convinced that only other people are attractive and that your body size is a sign of failure. You feel ashamed, self conscious and anxious about your own body. You feel uncomfortable and awkward in your body. There is a greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder and to suffer from feelings of depression, isolation, low self-esteem and obsess about weight loss.  

Where we view our body image from a positive aspect we will have a clear, true perception of our body shape and see the various parts of the body as they really are. You celebrate and appreciate your natural body size and you understand that a persons physical appearance says very little about their character and value as a person. You feel proud and accepting of your unique body and refuse to spend unreasonable amounts of time worrying about food, weight or diet. You feel comfortable and confident in your body and possess a high level of self-esteem.

We all have days when we feel awkward or uncomfortable in our bodies but the key to developing our body image positively is to recognise and respect our natural body shape and learn how to overpower the negative thoughts and feelings with positive, affirming and accepting ones. This will build our confidence and higher self-esteem and make us happy to be the person we are.

For more information about other services and products choose from one of the following links: