Why am I not comfortable with my body?

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Dissatisfaction with one’s own body in most cases has its origin in social pressure, combined with certain dysfunctional beliefs that we hold. How can we change this reality?

Written and verified by the psychologist Elena Sanz.

Virtually every human being at some point in their life has looked in the mirror and thought: “I don’t like what I see.” He has tried on clothes in a store and stated “I am not comfortable with my body” and that is because It is very common to want to add, remove, modify or fix different parts of our physique..

However, this displeasure with one’s own body image goes far beyond the merely physical aspect; Many people feel that their worth and success are determined by their appearance.. In this way, by not fitting into beauty standards, they begin to consider themselves failures, incapable and of little value.

Why am I not comfortable with my body?

Taking all of the above into account, it is interesting to wonder where this tendency to despise ourselves and feel uncomfortable in our skin comes from and what we can do about it.

External causes

It is undeniable that culture and society have a very powerful influence on the fact that many people experience great dissatisfaction with their body. The canon of beauty has been changing over the years, dictating with very little permissive margins what was appropriate and desirable in each time and place.

Currently, We have an unrealistic and unattainable ideal that values truly unnatural measures.for both men and women.

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Above all, These are unique and imposed characteristics that do not allow for the logical diversity of bodies that exist.. Praising these references as the only acceptable ones generates strong psychological damage in those of us who do not fit into this mold. It is enough to go to any clothing store to witness the limited variety of sizes available.

Thus, we grow up learning to reject our bodies, feel inadequate, and beat them or beat ourselves up mentally for not meeting standards. On the other hand, Social pressure can also be devastatingsince from the first school years there is a rejection of those who are different.

Internal causes

All of the above is imposed on us. However, there are other aspects directly related to personality and our attitude that lead us to not feel comfortable with our body:

Unfair comparisons. It is evident that the standard exists, but it is up to us to understand that it is an unreal and unattainable reference and that we do not have to adapt to it. Constantly comparing ourselves to celebrities or real people who fit that ideal inevitably leads us to generate negative emotions against our own image, without understanding that beauty lies in diversity.Rigid and dichotomous thinking. These beliefs assume that there are only two extremes and that if we possess any “negative” trait we are automatically unattractive and undesirable. Focus attention on that aspect of the physique that we do not like, magnify it and generalize itwill lead us to feel very unhappy with who we are.Wrong inferences. This refers to the fact that, since I am not comfortable with my body, I directly infer that others perceive me in an equally negative way. But not only that, I assume that because I don’t fit the beauty standard I am neither valuable nor successful as a person., that I do not have the right to wear certain items of clothing or carry out certain activities; and that I will never be able to succeed in the work, social or sentimental field.

What can I do if I am not comfortable with my body?

There are two main aspects that you have to focus on. Firstly, work on all those beliefs and attitudes that you can modify and that lead you to feel unhappy with your image. Make your thinking more flexible, begin to perceive your positive qualities and traits and learn to separate your personal worth from your image.

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Secondly, work and persevere at loving and accepting your body as it is. Thank Him for being your vehicle on this earthly plane, allowing you to breathe, laugh, run or hug your loved ones. Reconcile yourself with your image in the mirror and treat yourself with love and respect, regardless of what you look like..

Only from this unconditional acceptance can you make the necessary changes to take care of your body and your image from a healthy position. Exercise and eat healthy; Take care of your body, yes, but do it because you love it and not because you hate it.