It isn’t always easy, but it is attainable
University is a time of change, and how you perceive your body during this time isn’t immune to it. The truth is, many university students struggle with issues surrounding body image, issues that are often exacerbated by the changes that come with entering university for the first time. You’re adopting new eating habits and your weight may fluctuate; you’re now surrounded by a wider variety of bodies to compare yourself to, and stress from school can filter into other aspects of life and can affect your self-esteem. In addition, this is the prime time in your life to self-assess and develop your identity – making university a difficult time to maintain a positive relationship with your body.
Unfortunately, preoccupation with your body can lead to negative outcomes such as emotional distress, anxiety, depression, unhealthy habits, and even eating disorders. But the good news is that there are ways to deal with these complexities, and by forming positive habits, you can assure that you maintain a positive body image during this time.
Don’t compare your body to others. Your body is unique to you, and it is unfair to yourself to use other people’s bodies as a reference point for your own. Especially because every body has a “type” due to genetic inheritance – this is the type of variety we should all learn to appreciate. Research shows that comparing your body to other peoples only increases negative body image. You may find yourself envious of someone else’s curves, but maybe they wish their stomach was as flat as yours or their hair was as voluminous. The grass always seems greener, but it’s not.
Avoid bad body talk about others. Conversations between friends and family that puts a focus on other’s appearance (such as “fat talk”) only reinforces the need to heavily concentrate on surface looks. It also increases the likelihood that we find our own appearance lacking in some respect. Make friends with people who have a healthy relationship with their body, and their positivity will rub off on you. Negative chatter will do nothing but drag down your own self-confidence with it.
Avoid bad body talk about yourself. Avoid creating negative thoughts inside your head every time you pass a mirror. If you catch yourself internally or externally saying something negative about your appearance, get yourself to think of something you like instead. Reprogram how you view yourself by focusing on the positive things and not the negative. Think about how having a negative view of your body and appearance affects your personal happiness and satisfaction.
De-emphasize numbers. Your weight and BMI are not accurate indicators of body composition and health, nor are they indicators of your self worth. Caring about the health of your body by eating nutrient-rich foods, drinking enough water, and keeping your mind and body strong, are far more important than numbers. Don’t ever let a number on the scale dictate how you feel about yourself, especially because that number will fluctuate on a daily basis. Enjoy your body for how it moves, and exercise because it makes you feel strong, energized, and at peace.
Really question how much your esteem is dependent on appearance. Basing your happiness on how you look will only leave you frustrated. Your body will forever change, whether through shifts in weight, through the normal aging process, or whatever else may come your way. Even if your body never changed, dissatisfaction could still persist if you let it. It is important to consider what other aspects of your life may be reflecting negatively on your body image, and question if putting so much focus on your appearance has any benefits to your daily life.
Broaden your perspectives and reach out. Read books and articles about body image and do research. It is amazing how you can start viewing yourself differently when you gain further knowledge on the topic. If you are really struggling, consider contacting a campus therapist or reach out to a supportive friend, someone you can share your concerns with. Ask for support and encouragement from those around you.
As always, don’t feel pressured to feel great about your body all the time, as that’s not realistic. The goal is to begin to change the way you view yourself and view others, and also how you interact with those around you. Altering your inner and outer discourse in a positive way when speaking about body image and self-worth will only help you on your journey to maintaining a positive body image in the long run.