Body Image

Learning to love myself has been a hard journey. I constantly look at my imperfections and flaws, comparing myself to those around me. 

Body image refers to the subjective perception individuals have of their own bodies and how they believe others perceive them. Over the decades, societal standards of beauty and body image have fluctuated significantly, influenced by cultural shifts, media portrayals, and technological advancements. This evolution has profound implications for individual self-esteem and mental health.

In the 1950s, the ideal female body was characterised by a curvaceous figure, exemplified by icons such as Marilyn Monroe. The emphasis was on a fuller silhouette, often promoting a vision of femininity tied to domestic roles. In contrast, the 1960s ushered in the "Twiggy" era, celebrating a slender, boyish figure that further entrenched the idea that extreme thinness was the pinnacle of beauty. This shift not only impacted women but also permeated male standards, gradually promoting a more muscular ideal.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the fitness boom and the rise of supermodels introduced another layer to body image discussions. The proliferation of aerobics, bodybuilding, and the increasing visibility of models led to a culture that idolised physical fitness. While this era advocated for a healthier lifestyle, it also bred unrealistic expectations, setting the stage for body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. The 1990s witnessed a backlash against the ultra-thin ideologies, with the "heroin chic" look presenting yet another distorted body standard.

Entering the 21st century, the advent of social media has transformed body image perceptions. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok can amplify both positive and negative body images. On one hand, social media has given rise to body positivity movements, encouraging individuals to embrace diverse body types and challenge conventional beauty norms. On the other, it has also perpetuated harmful comparisons, as users often curate idealised versions of their lives and bodies, leading to heightened insecurities.

Many factors can harm body image, including societal pressure, media representation, and personal experiences. Constant exposure to edited images and unrealistic standards can lead to negative self-assessment, where individuals perceive themselves as inadequate or unworthy. Additionally, experiences of bullying or discrimination can exacerbate these feelings, resulting in a detrimental cycle of negative body image and associated mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.

Conversely, several strategies can foster a healthier body image. Education plays a vital role; promoting awareness of the unrealistic standards often perpetuated through media can help individuals critically assess these influences rather than internalise them. Encouraging open conversations about body diversity and self-acceptance can also cultivate resilience against societal pressures. Support networks, whether through friends, family, or professional counselling, can provide the encouragement and validation necessary for individuals to embrace their unique bodies.

Furthermore, consuming diverse media representations can combat narrow ideals. Films, advertisements, and social media content featuring a range of body shapes, sizes, and ethnicities can help broaden public perception of beauty. By endorsing inclusivity and normalising varied representations, society can move towards a more holistic understanding of body image that celebrates individual uniqueness.

Try to remember that you are unique, you are awesome, you are a goddess, you are a boss.

‘You are you! that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you.’ - Dr Suess