FEEL WELL
Building a Better Body Image BY MARY BE TH WALLAC E
Take a look in the mirror, and what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If those thoughts are positive – perhaps “Wow, I’m having a fantastic hair day!” or “I am rocking this new pair of jeans!” – that’s great! But if harsh critiques or long-standing insecurities surface, you may be struggling with your body image. Although common among women, body image issues can be damaging to your physical and mental health. Nicole Walter, a licensed professional counselor at Henegar Counseling Center, shares her thoughts on body image and some actionable ways to better appreciate your body.
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HealthScopeMag.com
There are many factors that shape a person’s body image. Past experiences, interactions with family members and peers, and culture, specifically the media, all play a role. For countless women, these societal influences have done more harm than good. “Women are often judged and valued by their appearance,” Walter explains. “Many people have a very narrow version of what an acceptable body image is, which only a small percentage of women are actually able to achieve. It’s common for women to experience conflict over the fact that they want to fit into what is deemed the most
