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Have you ever been body-shamed for your looks? Or sometimes nervous about eating in public?
Body shaming is none other than an attack on our identity. A fight for our uniqueness as humans. This happens even to the best of us consciously or subconsciously.
Let’s get into how to overcome body shaming
What is Body shaming
Body shaming is simply being attacked for not having the acceptable body size or features that people and society expect you to have.
Causes of Body shaming
1. Comparison
Wishing that your legs, hips, or thighs looked like that TV commercial will only bring you depression, eating disorders, and shame.
Do you know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more than just how thin your waistline is? or getting rid of that body hair.
These are not the first thing the doctor is concerned about when you go to the hospital.
The doctor is first concerned with fixing whatever could be wrong internally more than what’s on the outside.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be like the other girl with a size ‘6’ but the question is, are there any underlying health issues we don’t see?
Don’t put yourself under unnecessary pressure to look like a picture from Instagram because with Photoshop anything is possible.
Rather be more concerned with knowing your body type, eating nutrient-rich food, and exercising.
Consult your doctor to get further assistance on the meal that is right for you.
2. Low self-esteem
A low evaluation of ourselves can put us under pressure to do the unthinkable.
If we only realize that our identity doesn’t come from people’s compliments, wearing pretty clothes, or hanging out with the coolest crowd.
Instead, it comes from God. This revelation would help us combat body shaming anytime.
Your identity can only be found in Christ and that comes from having a relationship with God.
3. Social media
This has been one huge factor in body shaming. Some people have become depressed because of a bad comment that was made about their pictures.
Truth be told, there are trolls whose job on the internet is to body shame people on social media.
If you don’t like yourself enough, your validation will come from followers, views, and likes you have on the ‘gram’.
4. Negative self-talk
What do you say to yourself every time you put on or take off your clothes. When you hang out with your friends, do you make statements such as
“oh, I hate my thighs.”
“Do you think I look pretty?
“No one wants me.”
Girl, you’re only body-shaming yourself and teaching people how to treat you.
“Life and death are in the power of the tongue.”
5. Bad Relationships
Keeping company with toxic people or hanging around them will make you question your worth.
Mingling with someone who never sees any good about you is destructive to your wellbeing.
“If you want to be wise, you must hang with wise people.”
Types of Body shaming
1. Fat-shaming
When did being a size ‘6’ become the ideal body type? just saying
Some people gain weight due to health issues or things we know nothing about. If you think you’re overweight,
please get medical advice from a qualified doctor to know what weight loss plan is right for you.
2. Skinny shaming
Some parents body shame their kids for being too skinny. Don’t be under pressure to gain weight. Check with your doctor for any underlying issues before making any decision.
Sometimes, the way we see ourselves is a reflection of who we are on the inside. It’s time to get your confidence back.
3. Height shaming
In high school, we wanted that one friend who had the height of Noami Campbell. If her height was above 5ft 7 or 6ft 2 she was body-shamed.
Sis, You are wonderfully created. God who took the time to form you knew that your height would fit with your assignment here on Earth. You are not disadvantaged
3. Pretty shaming
Some girls have lost opportunities because of being too pretty. Grammy award-winning American gospel artist Erica Campbell in an interview with Chrystal Hurst
Talked about how she felt insulted each time she was referred to as the ‘pretty one’. It made her feel like she had nothing to offer other than her pretty face.
One of the ways to overcome body shaming is to believe without any doubt that you’re more than just a pretty face and you bring value to any place you enter.
It’s their loss if they don’t know that about you. You rock Girl!!
Effects of body shaming
1. It brings suicidal thoughts:
2. Low achievement: You can’t go after your goals. Even when you have what it takes, you will be afraid to put your foot forward.
3. It leads to depression.
4. You become a cutter: You cut yourself just to validate the idea in your head that you are ugly.
6. It brings shame: You feel the need to isolate yourself from the rest of the world.
Download this free daily affirmations and worksheet to help you overcome body shaming
How do I stop body shaming?
1. Love your body
Begin to appreciate your curves and hips. Appreciate who you are becoming. Girl, we are evolving so don’t stay stuck on something you don’t like about yourself. Move forward!
If you haven’t been eating right, change your habit and start eating healthy. Don’t use food to get over your anger. Or to upset those calling you ‘fat’.
They are not the ones you are going to end up in the hospital. Be wise!
2. Don’t take things personally
Yes, their remarks were offensive. You must take things with a grain of salt. Be mature in your reasoning and dealings with people. Offenses must come.
3. Have an accountability partner
You need an accountability partner. If you think you would need to lose weight or you plan on keeping a healthy diet
You need God plus an accountability partner who will hold you to your words and not be afraid to tell you the truth.
5. Date yourself
Another way to respond to body shaming is to take yourself out. Don’t wait to be invited to the beach, mall, or someplace fun. As long as it is not the club wink wink
Take time to know yourself and appreciate yourself. Your happiness is in your hands. No one owes you anything.
6. Do you have a relationship with God?
This is not some Jesus talk. If you don’t know your identity in Christ as I earlier mentioned, and who your heavenly Father is, then you will have a harder time overcoming other challenges that will come your way.
We are royalty 👑 check out all the trees and oceans created by God
once again seeking validation from people will bring pain.
My life isn’t perfect but my relationship with God has been a game-changer for me.
Don’t skip this area in your life.
7. Forgive
You need to learn to forgive people for your peace of mind. unforgiveness has now been classified as a disease. According to the report carried out by CBN in an interview with Dr. Michael Barry, a pastor and the author of the book, The Forgiveness Project.
“Harboring these negative emotions, this anger and hatred create a state of chronic anxiety,” he said.
“Chronic anxiety very predictably produces excess adrenaline and cortisol, which deplete the production of natural killer cells, which is your body’s foot soldier in the fight against cancer,” he explained.
Conclusion:
There would always be things that would make us want to doubt ourselves.
Because life is full of ups and downs. Guard your heart and keep living healthy.
Learning how to deal with body-shaming is a daily exercise and a conscious effort you must be willing to take. Don’t give up
How have you handled body-shaming let me know in the comment box below
Download our free daily affirmation and worksheet to help you build your confidence and eliminate body shaming.
