Let’s talk about Body Image

This week we have a guest blog , perfect for girls ,on body image from Anupa Roper also known as ‘Miss Sparrowlegs’. Anupa lives in Leicestershire, UK with her husband and two children (Maya 11 and Ayden 10). She allowed the label of ‘skinny’ to affect her feelings, self esteem and worth for a long time. Now she wants to empower the young by helping them to feel happy in their own skin. She would love for the generations that follow to know that their bodies are amazing and they are beautiful just the way they are.

So, first things first, what is body image? Body image is how and what you think and feel about your body. It includes the picture in your mind that you may have of your body and this may or may not match your body’s actual shape and size. Have a think, in your mind; is your body something you like or dislike? Do you ever wish you could change something about your body? If so, you're not alone. Lots of people feel unhappy about certain aspects of their appearance.

Photo credit Billie

The thing is girls, when you have a positive and healthy body image, you feel happy with your body. You accept the way you look and feel comfortable in your own skin. The problem with having a negative or unhealthy body image is that you feel unhappy with your body. You think that the shape and size of your body needs to change- and it doesn’t!

It is important for you to have a healthy body image. When you feel good about your body, you’re more likely to have good self-esteem (which means the opinion that you have of yourself) and mental health (which is the way you feel in your mind). You will also be more balanced in your attitude towards eating and physical activity (meaning you won’t think about food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and you will exercise for fun and enjoyment).

Your body image can be affected by lots of things including your family (how they talk about bodies, the comments they make about you or others), the attitudes of your friends (how important appearance is to them) and social media (the accounts you follow and the posts that you see).

Photo credit Sharon McCutcheon

You don't need a ‘perfect’ body to have a good body image. What is perfect anyway? Instead of thinking that we need to look like the images we see on media as ‘perfect’, why not show the world that perfect is you just being you? You may think that when you change your body you will like it more. But it's better to start the other way round. First, accept your body. Find the things that you like about it. Realise how amazing your body is and take good care of it. When you like your body, it's much easier to treat it in the right way.

So, how can you help yourself to have a better body image?

• Talk to your body nicely. When you make comments about your own body, it hurts your self-esteem. That's true whether you say it out loud or in your mind.

• Find things you like about your appearance. Maybe you like your hair or your smile? Write down what you like about yourself and why and if you get stuck think about what the people around you compliment you about. Let yourself feel good about you and know that there are lots of things to like about yourself.

• Focus on what your body can DO. Our bodies are so much more than what we look like. When you play a sport, walk, run, dance, swim — that's your body in action. Your body is there for you when hug someone, when you talk, when you eat. Be thankful. Be amazed.

Photo credit Sayan Ghosh

• Eat healthy foods but know that it is okay to also eat the foods we should have less often. Really taste your food and enjoy it. Food gives you the energy you need. When you treat your body right, you feel good about yourself.

• Get good sleep. Learn how much sleep you need for your age. Get to bed on time. Turn off your screens hours before bedtime so you can sleep well (and so that you aren’t comparing yourself with others).

• Be active every day. Your body needs to move to be strong, fit, and healthy. You can be active by playing a sport. You can run, walk, work out, do yoga, swim, or dance. Pick activities you like. Enjoy the fun you can have.

And remember, when you like your body as it is, right now, you boost your body image and your self-esteem too.

Thank you Anupa!

You can find Anupa on Instagram My social media;

Www.Instagram.com/miss_sparrowlegs

(You can also find me as sparrowlegs on FB, Twitter and Clubhouse) and her new book, ‘Sparrowlegs’ is available from 1 February on Amazon.

Anupa with her children

Thumbnail image credit @womanizerglobal