Mental Health: When you Look in the Mirror, do you Like What you See?

Body Image Loving Your Body Inside and Out

It is summer time and the shorts and bathing suits are staring you in the face. What do you
see when you look in the mirror? (I hope you will post your comments below)

Is your body image positive or negative? If your answer is negative, you are not alone. Women
in the U.S. are under pressure to measure up to a certain social and cultural ideal of beauty,
which can lead to poor body image. Women are constantly bombarded with "Barbie Doll-like"
images. By presenting an ideal that is so difficult to achieve and maintain, the cosmetic and diet
product industries are assured of growth and profits. It's no accident that youth is increasingly
promoted, along with thinness, as an essential criterion of beauty. The message we're hearing
is either "all women need to lose weight" or that the natural aging process is a "disastrous" fate.

We all want to look our best, but a healthy body is not always linked to appearance. In fact,
healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes! Changing your body image means changing the
way you think about your body. At the same time, healthy lifestyle choices are also key to
improving body image.

When I was in my 20's I was a body builder. I love hanging out in the gym and my pass time
was either riding a bike, walking, running or lifting weights. I totally enjoyed it. However as
time passed I was not able to spend that kind of time in the gym with kids and working odd
hours. Then as I aged I have had to change how I exercised. Healthy is not always an
outward appearance.

Staying active is always the best key to keeping your health status it's best. I love to walk
and I eat healthier than the average person.

The biggest train wreck people have in their thinking lots of time be from Family
and friends who can influence your body image with positive and negative comments. In over
20 years I have yet to attended a family function that someone did not mention my weight.
Usually the person making the comment has more issues that I do – but they are sure to
mention my body image.

Thank goodness – I have a healthy self esteem.

Healthy lifestyle choices

1. Healthy eating can promote healthy skin and hair, along with strong bones.

2. Regular exercise has been shown to boost self-esteem, self-image, and energy levels.

3. Plenty of rest is key to stress management.

Learn more about helping your body stay healthy by clicking here and
Clear Your Negative Body Image