SAFIGI:
WHAT IS BODY IMAGE
Body image is a term which may refer to the perception a person has towards his or her own physical appearance.
Our body image could be influenced by
•Personality
•Peer groups
•Societal or cultural “standards”
•Personal experience Etc.
HOW BODY IMAGE AFFECTS US
Body image:
- Has potential to make us feel bad or good about ourselves and the people around us
- Affects how we relate to others
- Affects our confidence levels
- Affects our self-esteem
- Affects the way we see ourselves even though that is not how others see us Etc.
EFFECTS OF POOR SELF IMAGE
Having a poor self-image of can lead to:
• Being unhappy with the way body looks which leads to overall unhappiness and/or depression.
• Being judgmental of other peoples bodies.
• Cosmetic surgery
• Eating disorders
• Drugs abuse to feel better about ourselves
• Alcoholism
• Being critical of the body such that it affects our lifestyles and relationships with others Etc.
BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER
This is a mental illness in which a subject is overtly obsessed and preoccupied with their appearance and body image in an effort to make it perfect. This can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.
ACCEPTING YOUR BODY
Love the body you are in regardless of what the media, your environment or peers may say or even what you think.
Do not compare yourself with others.
Be yourself and don’t try to be someone you are not.
Overlook your flaws and focus on beautiful things about you; if you cant, ask someone you trust to tell you.
Remember that drugs and alcohol have potential to wear down your skin and alter your body.
Do not compare yourself with others.
Be yourself and don’t try to be someone you are not.
Overlook your flaws and focus on beautiful things about you; if you cant, ask someone you trust to tell you.
Remember that drugs and alcohol have potential to wear down your skin and alter your body.
Accept that you are unique and real.
Hang out with people who do not ridicule what your body looks like.
Seek therapy if you feel you cannot accept your body.
qEat a balanced meal and avoid unhealthy diets.
If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia, seek the help of a therapist.
Learn about your body and how it works.
Hang out with people who do not ridicule what your body looks like.
Seek therapy if you feel you cannot accept your body.
qEat a balanced meal and avoid unhealthy diets.
If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia, seek the help of a therapist.
Learn about your body and how it works.
Source: SAFIGI Outreach Foundation
About SAFIGI:
SAFIGI Outreach Foundation Ltd is a not for profit organization based in Zambia with a vision to raise a generation where girls are empowered, equipped and fulfilled in every aspect of their life, for the development of the entire world. To know more about SAFIGI’s goals and activities, visit: http://www.safetyfirstforgirls.org