Written by: Libby Thoma | Staff Writer
Content warning: this article contains mentions of eating disorders and body image.
Loving one’s body for what it is and realizing one’s worth extends past weight and bodily features is important. Hating or disliking one’s body can be upsetting, unhealthy and can even be dangerous by leading to other disorders. Here are some ideas on how to feel better about oneself:
The body is a vessel — A person’s body is a vessel that carries around a soul, in a religious or spiritual sense. In a scientific sense, one’s body is a vessel that carries one’s brain. Both convey relatively the same idea — the body is not what is important, but the soul, the person behind the body, the personality and kindness are what is important. The body is a vessel to carry around the true inner self. Deeply focusing on the body or disliking it is not worth it in this sense.
The body is an instrument, not an ornament — One’s body does so much for a person, with millions of little living things and mechanisms working together to ensure health and well-being. This is important to realize, one’s body is much greater than just something to look at or a tool to appeal to other people. One’s body is something to fuel and take care of so one can achieve the best health. Everybody is different and everybody needs to be taken care of differently. This difference also means that beauty is subjective and everybody is beautiful, despite society making us think otherwise.
Recognize Photoshop — Since the birth of social media, body negativity has skyrocketed, and many are riddled with comparisons and the feeling of a lesser body. It is important to realize that many of these bodies seen on social media are not real. Recognizing Photoshop, and even plastic surgery, is important for recognizing that most people don’t look like that.
Ignoring critics — Brushing off body critics is important. However, this is not easy as skinny privilege is rampant and many of those who aren’t skinny feel the effects. Some are told constantly, and sometimes for years, that their weight is some kind of a problem. This is important to let go of and recognize that the people spouting this hate are insecure themselves and don’t realize the importance of a kind soul. Everyone is beautiful differently, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so recognizing that critics don’t understand one’s beauty is vital and sometimes life-changing.
Of course, it is best to be healthy. However, this doesn’t mean skinny, muscular or being in a specific “BMI” range. This means ensuring one feels their best and can do everyday activities, nothing more, but health does not equal worth.
Contact the author at ethoma23@mail.wou.edu
