This quiz is designed to help you see your own body image more realistically.
anxwer yes or no to each question. (I found this quiz during reseach for a presentation but I can't tell you the exact reference)
1. Have you avoided sports or working out because you didn’t want to be seen in gym clothes?
2. Does eating even a small amount of food make you feel fat?
3. Do you worry or obsess about your body not being small, thin or good enough?
4. Are you concerned your body is not muscular or strong enough?
5. Do you avoid wearing certain clothes because they make you feel fat?
6. Do you feel badly about yourself because you don’t like your body?
7. Have you ever disliked your body?
8. Do you want to change something about your body?
9. Do you compare yourself to others and “come up short?”
If you answered “Yes” to 3 or more questions, you may have a negative body image. You may want to work on gaining a more positive body image
Try these ideas for gaining a more positive body image. I see body image intimately connected with self value, so bare with me as we work through these questions.
What is it that gives people value?
Is it our bodies? Others who don't fit the perfect image - are they of any value? - of course. So it's not our bodies.
Is it our smarts? Others who are born with mental retardation - are they of any value? - of course. So it's not our smarts.
Is it our accomplishments? A baby who has accomlished nothing - is it of any value? - of course. So it's not our accomplishments.
What is it that gives that baby any value?
If we had the baby next to a puppy, are they both worth something? of course
Why? - that's right - they both have life.
Which one would we say is worth more? - the baby
Why? - that's right - human life.
So what is it that gives people value? - Human life!
It's not the shape of our body, not our smarts, not our accomplishments - these things can change over time and with events of life. But our basic human life never changes, and it is what gives us value. If we build our value on things that will change, when they change our value/self esteem/ self worth will drop.
We also need to be realistic about the images we see in the media. Those "perfect" bodies that they entice us with are often not "perfect" at all. Often they are touched up by artist and special affects. Those that aren't are the result of years of personal trainers and full time work to keep them the way they are.
Then there is the fact that it is a myth that anyone can look like that if they work hard enough. Only about 5 percent of the general public has the basic build to accomplish what they have. Most of us have some difference - like arms are longer, head is larger, eyes are smaller, shoulders are squarer, - it doesn't matter how much you weigh, these structural changes will not change.
Remember that the point of comercials is to make you dissatified with what you have so you'll buy their product. They don't want you to feel good about yourself! Don't fall into the trap! Don't let them have that power! You are in charge of yourself. Feel good inspite of them!
Next remember that many of those we see as beautiful are actually underwieght and sick. Our goal needs to be health and wellness, not a specific number on the scales. Most experts now recognize that if a person lives a healthy lifestyle with good eating habits consistent with their level of exercise they will reach a "set point" in their weight. Healthy lifestyle choices needs to be the goal.
So now get out a piece of paper and write out some reminders, like:
1. I have value because I am human and I have life.
2. It is unrealistic to think that most people can look like models and actors.
3. Beautiful people are often unhealthy or fiction
4. I need to focus on being healthy not weight.
5. This is the body I am going to have the rest of my life. I might as well be comfortable in it.
Post these reminders where you will see them regularly and practice saying them - the bathroom mirror while your brush your teeth, the stove while you cook, the steering wheel while you drive, etc. It takes rehearsal saying what you know it true to feel that you are believing them, but the more you hear it the more you believe it.
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