Body Image (special post)

You would think that how you see yourself would be totally up to you. Wrong!
Many people are really influenced by the media, fashion, peer groups, their family, advertising and teen magazines for both boys and girls. 






         












so they  compare themselves with all their idols, heroes, glossy air brushed pictures, films and video clips using special photo techniques and make up, etc. - and who can compare favorably with that?
Not even the heroes, idols and film stars can! They certainly don't look that good in 'real life', as we can all tell when we see the sort of pictures taken when the 'stars' don't know about it!
Here's a few celebs without makeup.
 







 Everyone has an image of how they would like to look. Either taller, slimmer, longer legs etc... But although most of us find it hard to believe, most of the models we see on TV are created by the media to look like that. For example, watch this video. It shows just how much fashion magazines change or 'airbrush' models' photos. No wonder people feel they don't match up - not even the models do!

 So, lets get real:
There are three things that contribute to your body image.
Your genes that determined your height and basic shape, skin color, type of hair - some things that you cannot do anything about. How you look after your body - this is something you can do something about by: eating healthy food exercising working on feeling good about yourself. Making the most of yourself.










How to feel good about yourself:
1) Exercise- even walking to school is exercise and it gives you time to think.


2) Take care of your body. Your personal hygiene can help you feel good on the outside as well as inside.


3)Smile more and make positive comments. If you are happy inside, your definitely going to be happy outside. Plus, it can wash off on others making your environment a happy place. 


4)Bounce back when things go wrong. Don't dwell on things or hold a grudge longer than necessary. when things go wrong, try your hardest to keep happy because things do get better.
5) Get involved in games, activities and conversations. This will show others your confidence and they will start to notice how different and brilliant you are.Makeovers:

Do you watch the 'makeover' programs on TV? I'm not talking about the extreme stuff where plastic surgery is involved! Some of these programs can really give you some good ideas on how to make the most of yourself. 

Skin care  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hair color and style

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting a wardrobe together that works

 Organizing yourself











 Here's some tips on how to give yourself a makeover.
Save up for a really great haircut (this does not have to be really expensive - if any of your friends have had a great haircut, ask them who did it, and see if you can afford to go to that person). Have a chat with the stylist to decide what is going to be most flattering to your face and easier to manage. Take a really clothes-conscious friend with you to try on all the clothes in the shopping center and come up with a new mix and match outfit that will take you through the next season. Start exercising, walk with a friend, take up sport, join a team or walk to school.

Other things to think about:

See a doctor or health care professional if you are having problems with your skin, like acne.  Start something new - take up painting, join a club at school, get involved as a volunteer. Girls, have a regular girls' night where you try make-up, hair styles, massage, mud packs, each others clothes, etc. Is your room still the same as it has been for years? Negotiate with your parents to change it if you want. You don't need to have loads of money, or be the 'victim' on reality TV, to start looking at your body image and working out how to improve it so that you feel happy with yourself and the way you look. Love who you are and be true to yourself. Here's a few inspirational songs to cheer you up.