- "You've gained weight"
- "You're so skinny ! Eat some more!
- "You're so dark"
- "Your hair is too curly"
- "Your skin looks so dry"
- "You have so many pimples"
- "You are so hairy"
What is Body Shaming?
Some of us are not well informed about body shaming because we think that making jokes about somebodies physical appearance is ok. Body shaming is not funny. It is a form of bullying if someone is making fun of another persons physical appearance.
No one deserves to feel bad just because of their looks. Â
We shouldn’t tolerate body shaming because it is a serious issue and can lead to depression, eating disorders , trauma and mental health problems.Â
Helpful advice on how to deal with body shaming.
STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS
The worst thing you can do to yourself is to compare your unique body to others especially in social media. The reality is that some photos posted online are filtered and edited. Most Influencers on Instagram are designed to take perfect angles and they are too afraid to show the raw and unfiltered side.
YOU SHOULDN'T CONCERN YOURSELF WITH THE OPINIONS OF OTHERS
We don't need to follow or listen to the high standards of society which is being flawless, perfect and skinny online. When you start to please everybody. That's the time you begin to disrespect and doubt yourself. No matter what you do, whether your skin is white or your shape is fat or skinny. Other people will always have something to say. Learn to embrace your flaws and to stop worrying about what other people might be saying. Starting today live by own terms and love yourself.
LEARN TO WALK AWAY
If you find yourself in the middle of an uncomfortable conversation. You can choose to walk away. Set personal boundaries and cut toxic people that make you feel down and don't respect your feelings. Remember we cannot control what others say to us but we can control how to respond.
LET'S END BODY SHAMING
Sometimes we don't even realize that we are body shaming other people too. Be more careful with your words and be sensitive to other peoples feelings. Maybe for you it's nothing and fun! But, your words can be hurtful without realizing it. It may cause low self-esteem to that person and we should stop this.
HOW TO RESPOND TO CRITICISM
Negative comments can be upsetting and maybe make you feel down. You can allow it to hurt you OR you can use it to improve and become better. Of course it's not okay to tell someone they are overweight or too skinny. However, we shouldn't disregard that GOOD HEALTH IS THE KEY TO LONG LIFE. We all know that gaining weight can lead to obesity and can develop health risks such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, knee problems and even cancer. Those are unavoidable truths that can happen to anyone of us if we are living an unhealthy lifestyle. Have the goal to be healthy. Not to improve your body just so you can fit in with society. If you want to improve yourself, Do it for yourself, for your health and to feel good.
BODY ACCEPTANCE
This is the most important tips! It doesn't mean that you will stop taking care of yourself ! It means you will stop being so hard on yourself and started loving yourself as it is.
