Oh Womania Edition_5_July_14 | Page 15

oh!!! wo-(man-ia) edition 5 july‘2014 How to overcome Negative Body Image issues 1. Don't be harsh on yourself or any of your close ones! When you don't like being judged about your body shape and size, you should be kind enough to not do it to others too. Making fun, passing a judgment would mean that you are inflicting a similar judgment on yourself, indirectly. 2. Don't go behind the DIET hype. Following a certain crash diet is only a temporary solution which may bring in a lot of perpetual problems. Quick weight loss is not the right way of losing weight. Looking and feeling good is in your power. You can do it anytime you want. Don't let a Diet dictate it. 3. Change your perspective. Instead of spending a lot of time on thinking about what is wrong with your appearance, focus your attention towards other things which will help you hone your skills and keep your mind away from sulking into depression. Working out and exercising is a great thing, but it should not consume your life. Moderation in all senses is the key. 4. Accept your body Know and accept your body. Certain traits you possess may be inherited from your parents. Like height, built, looks, features. You cannot do much to change it altogether. Key to happiness and peace is to accept what you have. 5. Listen to your body. Our body talks to us. It tells us when it needs nutrition. It tells us when it needs rest. Listen to it, and don't let temptation rule the mind all the time. Mind and body sync is very necessary and can be achieved by meditation. 6. Solve problems. Don’t try to eat them. When a person is sad or depressed, he tends to overeat. Change your approach and solve the problems the way they should be solved. Don't punish your body unnecessarily. 7. Celebrities are paid to look like what they do. Always remember, celebrities are not average people. They are paid to look the way they look. Many times, the camera does the trick and their pictures are photo shopped to make them look appealing. They have a gang behind them who takes care of what they should be eating, drinking, wearing and how they should be looking like. Stop comparing yourself to them! 8. Set realistic goals If you are way too overweight, then, getting into the healthy weight range should be the first goal. Followed by toning and shaping your body once you have reached the healthy numbers. 9. Celebrate the beauty of you Love yourself! You are beautiful! 10. Ask for help If you do not know where to begin, seek help. Instead of looking for shortcuts to good physique or figure, take the healthier route. There are many people, doctors who are available. 15