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You might often see over-airbrushed models and photoshopped celebrities all the time. But have you ever stopped to consider what these insane beauty standards are doing to your mind and self-worth? Beauty as seen by the media is unreachable, lienating and traumatizing. In this article, we are going to explore five major ways that media representation is defining what you think of as beauty and some steps towards a more realistic definition so you can learn to love yourself more.
You are constantly being told to look a certain way
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The standard of beauty from the media is everywhere you look. It follows you in magazines, social media and TV. They are most times fake, or heavily edited images. If you compare yourself to these standards that are unrealistic, your self esteem is likely to go down. This will make you feel like you are not enough —pretty enough, skinny enough, curvy enough, and that’s not being fair to yourself because you are more than how you look.
Instead of focusing on the pictures, focus on being healthy. You can do little things such as drinking more water per day in order to keep your skin clear and hydratedor taking a nice luscious bath just because you deserve the relaxation time. Make sure to add something with great nutrient value to every meal even though it might not be something savory and don’t forget to exercise. Doing these things will make you feel good all around. They build your esteem, self-worth and remind you that there is so much more to you than what’s on the outside. Healthy is the new beautiful. You do not need to look like the person on TV and magazines to be beautiful. You are beautiful just the way you are.
You do not see anyone that looks like you on social media
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The media has been promoting the same, uniform image of beauty for centuries. This has made most women feel unseen or unheard and it ought not to be this way. Seeing people who look like you in the media can boost your confidence. It makes you feel visible and real. You understand you are not the only one that looks a certain way and that your own experiences and point of view too hold importance. To achieve this, try to follow social media trends or accounts that showcase representation of all types of women, coonnect with bloggers, influencers or celebrites who have similar skin tone, body type, hair texture and even style as yours. When you see people who look like you in the media, it helps to build your confidence – both on the inside as well as appearance-wise. In turn, it helps you develop positive body image, self love, and confidence because now, there are others just like you.
You are a victim of photoshopping and airbrushing
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It can be really hard to feel beautiful or enough when you are surrounded by perfectly edited pictures wherever you turn on social media. The pathetic thing is these images are far from reflecting what true beauty is. You can help yourself feel better by searching for untouched or reality-based images taken by photographers on an amateur level and spend your money supporting the brands that celebrate authenticity, imperfection & transparency. Follow influencers and celebrities who also share those unedited moments of their life. You can also post your own unedited photos and share your experience to support authenticity and self-love.
You’re being targeted by beauty standards as a marketing tool
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We’ve discovered by watching trends that the beauty industry has a long history of promoting the use of unrealistic standards and consumerism for profit. But always remember that you can fight back. Don’t get caught up in it, focus on what is important. Buying into buying more isn’t just bad for your wallet, it’s terrible for your self-esteem as well. The never-ending chase for physical beauty will end up making you feel bad about yourself which could lead to an identity crisis. So, instead of craving for more, concentrate on what we already have. Develop an attitude of gratitude and self-love, then see yourself becoming more beautiful every day.
Also, opting for experiences always, over material possessions lays the foundation to walk away from the beauty trap. Invest your time and money into experiences so that they become a part of your nature like learning something new or traveling someplace incredible. That is where the best moments in life are and the beauty brands know that all of your happiness comes with experiences, not products which sit on a shelf. Additionally, you can decide to show support for ethical brands which promote inclusivity in sizing and body positivity. By doing this, you’re voting with your wallet for a more genuine beauty ideal.
Your mental health is at risk
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Seeing those impossible “beauty” standards everywhere can make you feel inadequate and contribute to lower self-esteem. It can even put you at risk of developing mental illnesses like anxiety & depression as well as resulting in eating disorders. A great way to handle this is to take breaks from social media. Staying away from the constant channel of polished and edited pictures helps you to gain a real life point of view which eventually results in reduced comparison amongst yourself. Spend your time on meaningful connections, practice hobbies or self-care that feed you in mind and body.
Regular self-care helps to avoid mental problems. Do things that make you happy, help relax your mind and body and spread self care. It can be anything from exercise, facial steaming, reading books or enjoying nature. Focusing on caring for yourself can help build resilience against the negative impact of media representation.
Above all, do not be afraid to ask for help. Talk to a friend, family member or someone you trust to give you guidance and proper resources. Just remember that you are not by yourself and resources already exist to help.
