With the barrage of advertising and social media we see everyday, its no wonder that many of us struggle with self-image. The expectation for perfection is abundant and can have a strong affect on the way we see ourselves. This becomes a problem because feeling badly about how we look can have an impact on our individual happiness as well as our relationship satisfaction. So, what can we do to begin feeling more comfortable in our own skin? Here are a couple of suggestions.
1. Stop comparing. I know this is easier said than done, but it can have a big impact on your confidence and happiness. Social media makes it easy to compare ourselves with others. The problem is, we often compare the worst of ourselves to the best of someone else. Most of us don’t post “selfies” of our just-rolled-out-of-bed selves. So, it’s not fair to compare someone else’s filtered image to our real face in the mirror. One strategy to stop comparing is, when you catch yourself comparing, have a list of self-compassionate statements ready to replace your negative thoughts. Show compassion on yourself and instead of negative self-talk, try talking to yourself like you would your best friend. Another strategy to avoid comparing yourself to others is to limit the amount of time you spend on social media. Studies have shown a correlation between amount of time spent on social media to increases in eating disorders, symptoms of depression and even increased plastic surgery rates. So, it makes sense that if you want to be able to feel comfortable in your own skin, it is wise to limit how much time you spend using social media.
2. Focus on your internal strengths. Our modern culture and media have pushed the message that your worth as a person depends on how you look on the outside. However, you will feel a more satisfying sense of worth if you value the internal characteristics which make you who you are. If you need help remembering what those characteristics are, try reflecting for a few minutes each night as you go to bed. Think about something you are proud of that day and focus on what positive attribute you possess which helped you accomplish it. Positive attributes are more enduring than physical attractiveness and will bring you more happiness in the long run.
If you are struggling with feeling good in your own skin, don’t worry. You are not alone. Many of us struggle with the same issue. However, you don’t have to stay stuck in your unhappiness. Begin by making small changes and start taking steps toward accepting and loving yourself.
