Stop Body Shaming: My Body, My Rules
By Ananya Iyer
“Even when people say rude things, how can you shake it off so quickly? I can’t help but be affected by it.”
The truth is, I don’t like hearing that stuff either. But I am happy with my own body.
That is how I shake it off so quickly. We might get ill, and we may or may not get better. So, since I can only live this life once, no matter what people say, I decided to eat whatever I want and stay healthy too, because my standard for happiness is myself (K-Drama - Tomorrow).
Body shaming is a significant topic in modern conversations. It refers to inappropriate and harmful comments made about an individual’s body. Have you ever had random people telling you that if only you were a bit fairer or thinner, you would look even more beautiful?
Who sets the rules and standards for beauty?
As a society, we have created these standards, and it is high time we reset them.
Body shaming encompasses a broad spectrum, including fat-shaming, thinness, height, hairiness (or lack thereof), hair color, body shape, and muscularity.
Teenage years, marked by physical, mental, and sexual developmental changes, make adolescents particularly vulnerable to body and weight shaming. During this stage, teen strive for peer acceptance through the “right” body, color, and hair—whatever society deems acceptable.
Body shaming can severely impact mental health, leading to anxiety, isolation, eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia, and excessive exercising. Although challenging, it’s time to reset these harmful standards and not let others’ comments affect our health.
Here are a few steps to start:
1. Embrace Yourself: Your body is yours. Lose or gain weight if you want to, not because others tell you to. Don’t maintain a body you don’t desire. It may be challenging initially, but if you love and accept your body for its size, whether fat or slim, no one can break your self-esteem with comments.
2. Maintain Healthy Relationships: Surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. Cut out those who bring toxic and harmful energy.
3. Educate People: Many are unaware of the impact body shaming can have. Teaching children about this from a young age is crucial.
In conclusion, instead of focusing on perceived flaws, focus on what makes you happy. We have one life, so let’s enjoy it and not try too hard to please others. Your body is yours, so make changes for your happiness, not for others’ approval. Love and accept yourself for who you are, and no one can undermine your self-esteem.
If you think you have an unhealthy relationship with your body, talk with one of our therapists at SafeTherapy. Even one conversation can help.
This blog has been written and submitted by Ananya Iyer, a student of HRM and Psychology from Zakir Hussain Delhi College.