Your Body is Not a Trend: Why Self-Love is Radical Right Now
As social media and new products promise to “optimize” your life, it can be difficult to accept who you are and what you look like without comparing yourself to others. Messages about the “ideal” body are everywhere, making self-acceptance feel like an uphill battle. When popular videos like “before-and-afters” and highly filtered photos circulate on social media, the changing trends can feel like an ever-moving goal post.
It’s important to recognize that struggles with self-love and body image don’t just affect women, they impact men as well. Negative self-talk is often rooted in unrealistic expectations shaped by outside influences, whether from celebrities, athletes, or even family members.
One of the most effective ways to challenge these thoughts is to reframe them through a strength-based lens. Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, shift your attention to what your body does for you and the qualities that make you unique. Strength looks different for everyone because every person brings their own value and perspective.
To help get started, try these tips from Adagio Health’s Behavioral Health Clinician Blaine Shindel.
- Be intentional about saying positive statements about yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
- Limit time on social media, especially accounts that lead to comparison.
- Focus on qualities you love about yourself that have nothing to do with appearance.
- Put your feelings into words to better understand yourself:
“I’m happy about my body because …” or “I’m my version of perfect because …”
Additional resources recommended from the Adagio Health team:
