June 22, 2015
Why Self Body Shaming Is Learned Behaviour
50 people were asked "If you could change one thing about your body, what would it be?"
Adults answered with a list of typical ailments. Stretch marks, a smaller forehead or bigger eyes.
Children answered with a list of imaginary creations. A mermaid tale, wings, legs like a cheetah.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0tEcxLDDd4[/embed]
This experiment shows how the idea of self body shaming is learned over time, it is not a trait we are born with. While children are completely comfortable in their bodies, adults tend to find a list of things they would like changed, erased, replaced...
If we spent more time embracing, loving and uplifting yourselves instead of beating our bodies up for being what they are, we would all live a more fulfilling life.
Here are 5 ways to rectify years of body shaming and improve your confidence in the skin you're in:
- Think of your body as the vehicle to your dreams. Honor it. Respect it. Fuel it.
- Count your blessings, not your blemishes.
- Every morning when you wake up, thank your body for a rejuvenating sleep.
- Put a sign on your mirror that reminds you who you are and why you love yourself. Try a saying like "I'm beautiful inside and out".
- Create a list of 10 positive things about yourself. Keep adding to it. Make it 100.