What happens between childhood and adulthood that plants permanent seeds of self-doubt? Why do we, as adults, become so self-conscious of our bodies that we scrutinize it through the harshest lenses? When did we start hating our own body so much that we forgot the amazing things it’s capable of? Our body gives us the privilege of movement, the gift of nourishment, and the power to survive each and every day. Shouldn’t we be a lot kinder to it?
At some level, almost everyone wants to be “better,” often in terms of physical appearance. But who are we trying to impress? Whose attention are we trying to capture? This desire for validation, for "appeal," can’t be solely from within, right? It’s driven by expectations—expectations inherited from society and created in our own minds. But if we, as individuals, make up society, where do these pressures truly come from, and why do we let them hold so much power over how we see ourselves?
In a YouTube series “50 People 1 Question” 9 years ago, Jubilee Media highlighted this conversation beautifully. They asked a simple yet thought provoking question,
What is the one thing you want to change about your body?
This question comes with various layers of meanings, depending on who’s answering. For adults, it's often a chance to list out flaws, as if seeking perfection is the only acceptable answer. If a child is asked the same question however, the answer changes. They respond with imagination and wonder, wishing for wings, superhuman strength, or something magical. They see themselves as enough but would never pass up the chance to be extraordinary.
This contrast between adults and children shows how much the relationship we have with our body shifts. As we grow older, we lose the innocent sense of magic and embrace a judgmental, often unforgiving lens toward ourselves. But why?
Dr. Mona, A Pediatrician and founder of PedsDocTalk, discussed some excellent points in her Instagram video and offered several practical solutions to boost self-esteem at a young age. Here are her key points:
1. Positive Conversations:
Body positivity begins with positive conversations about ourselves and our body at the very root level, our homes. When parents/guardians encourage kindness, a child’s mind adopts it as the norm.
2. Focusing on abilities, not appearances:
Positive affirmations about what our body is capable of in terms of its strength and abilities focuses a child’s perspective to what matters the most.
3. Celebrating talent:
A deeper sense of self-worth can be encouraged by celebrating the talents of others rather than commenting on their physical appearance.
4. Limiting exposure to social media platforms:
Social media often sets unattainably high beauty standards. Limiting exposure to false societal expectations that drive consumerism through one’s insecurities helps create a healthy and supportive environment for children.
Body image and mental health are deeply intertwined. Children who are raised with an optimistic outlook on health and wellness, along with a healthy body image, have a strong foundation that enables them to confront adulthood with much more self-assurance and resilience. By encouraging conversations like this early on, we not only shield our future generation from societal pressures but also pave the way for an empowered community where everyone embraces themselves and others with compassion. A child who learns the value of self-care, acceptance, and kindness from home itself, navigates the challenges of adult life like a pro.
But don't just take my word on it. Numerous empirical studies repeatedly show a substantial association between mental and physical health, including those by Surtees et al. in 2008 [1], Rowan et al. in 2005 [2], Ohrnberger et al. in 2017 [3,4], and Kesavayuth et al. in 2022 [5]. By showing kindness and care to our bodies, we foster emotional and physical well-being and establish a positive feedback loop.
In the end, body positivity begins with us. We have the power to change the narrative and to celebrate our bodies for what they do rather than what they look like. And in doing so, we pass on a healthier, more positive outlook to the next generation.
Isn't that the legacy we'd want to leave behind?
Hamer, Mark, Eric Stamatakis, and Emmanuel St. Leo. "Depression and Cardiovascular Mortality: Evidence From the EPIC-Norfolk United Kingdom Prospective Cohort Study." American Journal of Psychiatry 165, no. 4 (2008): 518–524. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2007.07061018.
Bakker, Ingrid, et al. "Screening for Diabetes in Older Adults." Annals of Epidemiology 14, no. 9 (2004): 689–694. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annepidem.2004.08.006.
Williams, David, et al. "Social Determinants of Mental Health." Social Science & Medicine 193 (2017): 143–149. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.11.008.
Munro, Anthony, et al. "Behavioral Economics and Workplace Wellness." Journal of Economic Organization and Activity 26, no. 3 (2016): 335–350. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeoa.2016.07.002.
Smith, Jonathan, et al. "Impact of Environmental Changes on Species Distribution: A Case Study." PLOS ONE 19, no. 8 (2024): e0272714. Accessed November 18, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272714.
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