An Introduction to Body Image
- Barre None
- Oct 19, 2016
- 3 min read
Hi everyone!
Welcome back to Barre None. Today’s topic is body image- which has SO much to do with eating disorders among young dancers. We explain what body image is, discuss the differences between positive and negative body image, and also hit some points about how to improve body image.
Firstly- what is body image? The dictionary definition is: the subjective picture or mental image of one’s own body. To put it simply, body image is your own opinion and feelings towards your own body. Everybody has a body image, whether it be positive or negative, or somewhere in between.
What is a positive body image like? According to Planned Parenthood, someone with a positive body image is someone who is comfortable, confident, and satisfied with their physical body, despite what other people might think of it. They would understand that physical appearance has nothing to do with self-worth, and they would know that they don’t need any specific physical traits to be beautiful. Finally, people with positive body image see their bodies as how they truly are, without any false illusions when they look in the mirror.
On the other hand, someone with a negative body image likely feels dissatisfied or ashamed of their body. Eating Disorder Hope says that they would likely judge themselves harshly on their physical appearance, and have feelings of incompetency to the way they look, and envy towards the way other people do.
Oftentimes, people with negative body images have a distorted image of the way they look- they would see themselves or certain body parts as bigger, smaller, or otherwise different from how they really are. In some cases, negative body image can even help cause mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders.
It is so important for your mental and physical health to have a positive body image, so how can you improve yours? According to KidsHealth, talking to a therapist, or even positive friends and family members can make a huge difference. Try consciously thinking positive thoughts about your body! Lastly, it is CRUCIAL to surround yourself with supportive people who remind you of your amazing traits that have nothing to do with your appearance!
I challenge you- right now, to comment on this post! If you feel comfortable enough to share your personal journey with body image, leave it down below. If you aren’t, feel free to list 3 things that you love about yourself! This kind of positive support is essential to maintain a healthy body image.
Remember that it is so important to have a healthy, positive body image! If you’re interested in learning more about body image, eating disorders, and ballet culture, please subscribe to Barre None by entering your email address below! You can also follow Barre None on Instagram and Twitter @barre_none, or by clicking the Instagram or Twitter icons on the top right corner of this page!
Love,
Barre None
Sources:
Eating Disorder Hope. (2016). Body Image. Retrieved August 1, 2016, from http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/body-image
Kids Health. (2016). Body Image. Retrieved July 5, 2016, from http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/body-image.html#
Mayo Clinic. (2016). Healthy Body Image: Tips for Guiding Girls. Retrieved August 1, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/healthy-body-image/art-20044668
Planned Parenthood. (2016). Body Image. Retrieved August 1, 2016, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/body-image
Image: http://balletforadults.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/training.jpg
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