How we feel about ourselves is directly related to our interaction with others, what we see around us, and how we deal with our own expectations of ourselves. Recently, a new body image approach is surfacing - accept yourself as you are and focus on healthy living.
Can the Critical Eye be Left Behind?
Is it possible for this perception shift to work? Can we leave behind our critical eye when looking in the mirror and begin focusing on our own idea of a healthy body rather than what outside influences dictate? It's possible. But, perceptions are developed very early and are reinforced everyday. Since these types of changes must be approached both externally and internally to succeed, change may take time.
Self-Perception Develops Early
Self-perception begins early. Childhood messages about our bodies form the foundation of our body image. These external childhood messages about size not only form perceptions about ourselves, but about those around us. According to "A Story About Size," by Mary Faber in the National Education Association Today magazine, society tends to make negative assumptions about large people, and children experience harmful effects from these assumptions. "Kids are misled into believing that an ideal body type exists - which is untrue."
The Media as Cultural Gatekeeper
As we grow older, additional external influences begin to contribute to existing feelings of not looking "normal." The media is the largest contributor to the beauty standards we develop. Considering that the average 35 year-old woman sees 150,000 ads in her lifetime, it is not surprising that many women feel alienated from their bodies when they compare themselves to the idealized illusions they see everyday. The media as a cultural gatekeeper, framing standards of beauty by models they choose. Although the bulk of the population is a size other than the bodies dominating television, movies, and advertising, the media continues to push a thin beautiful person. Anything outside that is considered undesirable.
A Focus on Healthy Living is a Beginning
Where does the perception change begin? It begins with our health care providers, what they say, and what we do with that information. According to the Harvard Medical School's Consumer Health Information, a helpful approach is to encourage women to accept their bodies and focus on healthy living and exercise rather than on weight loss. Those who are encouraged to accept their bodies, and have listened, achieve measurable improvements in mood and self-esteem. Many health professionals are incorporating this approach of focusing on exercise, improving mental attitude, and teaching healthy eating habits.
The perception shift continues with print media, television, and movies. Television shows, movies, and advertisements will occasionally use more realistic people. Print media will sometimes provide more health-focused, less diet-frenzied information. These slight changes provide hope that a more positive attitude towards our bodies can emerge.
Start on the Inside
Although there are small signs of external change, the other side of this perception coin can only begin within each of us. A place to start is a more holistic approach to body image, where beauty is more about an outward expression of inner harmony than idealized physical features. Leave behind focusing solely on outward appearance and work from the inside out.
It is possible for perceptions to shift towards our own healthy body ideas? Yes, it is. It may take time, but the world around us is slowly shifting and as it shifts, we can shift with it. It starts with you.
Sources
The National Education Association has a variety of articles on how self-perception and weight issues affect children.
The Harvard Medicine Web site offers numerous resources for more information.
