Why do so many teenage girls struggle with their body image?
Gen Z is all about social media, and we couldn’t even imagine life without technology or Instagram feeds. It’s become our whole life and that’s where the problem begins. When we look at the posts of celebrities, like Kylie Jenner for example, we see on the screen a woman with perfect shapes and without flaws. The perfect slender waist, big bust and butt, full lips, and all that nonsense, we are told, is the “beauty standard.” Young girls, in particular, start comparing themselves to find out why they don’t look like those photos. Even in movies, teenage characters are played by middle-aged adults in their twenties who are much more developed than the average 15-year-old girl. We see these women all over social media apps and movies and start to wonder, am I not pretty enough?
Social media is FALSE. Angles, filters, Photoshop, everything exists! But, we tend to forget that and get sucked into comparisons and self-hatred. So here’s a little guide to rediscovering that love for your body.
5 tips for learning to love your body
1. Experiment with makeup
I have often heard that “wearing make-up makes you less beautiful because it’s not natural” from the male population. Newsflash ! It is totally false. Men have this mindset that we put on eyeliner to their. For their approval. If you’ve heard too many things like that, let’s forget it out of your head, baby! Now! Women should never wear makeup to make a man think they’re pretty enough. We should put it FOR OURSELVES. THIS IS TO MAKE US CONFIDENT. I’ve learned that watching YouTube tutorials and expressing myself with my brushes and eyeshadow has really given me a lot of confidence. I would recommend using products that highlight your already gorgeous features, not cover them up. Putting on makeup and learning what makes you feel your most beautiful is a great way to not only express yourself, but also to realize that we don’t need the approval of men to feel like a queen.
2. Watch “I Feel Pretty”
The Plot: A plus-size woman who embodies the average person in society, with insecurities and “imperfections” bumps her head and something magical happens. From the head damage, she begins to believe that she is skinny and “beautiful”, but in reality, nothing has changed. She takes on life without any fear in any part of her body, feeling powerful like this new pretty woman. The sweet part of this movie is figuring out how much she’s accomplished and how naturally beautiful she is even though she didn’t fit the “beauty standard”. I watched this about 7 times alone and with my family. It really helps you feel beautiful in your own skin, and it’s a must-have watch.
You can find this movie on Hulu, Amazon, Fios or YouTube. If you don’t have access to this movie, find free clips on YouTube just by searching the title.
3.Find your style!
Clothing has a lot to do with the confidence we feel when we step out into our body. If we don’t like what we leave home in, it’s almost impossible to like the body underneath. Participate in a fashion research evening!
Here are some of my favorite online stores:
1. Cider
This shop focuses on a central fairy house theme. They have beautiful flowing skirts and gorgeous items in browns and greens.
2.Killstar
This website is full of “gothic” fashion ranging from trendy skirts to unique boots. This style is for a very particular taste, but it is very cool.
3. Asos
The link takes you to great loose clothing with amazing prints on the t-shirts. Some items are labeled for “men”, but who cares? Fashion has no gender, to be honest with you. This is the place to look if you like looser, yet fashionable clothes.
4. Francesca
They have many in-person stores as well as websites for online shopping. I’ve been to this store more times than I can count. They sell some really nice boutique type items for a more modest, yet gorgeous look.
There are SO many more amazing places to check out than the stores I’ve listed. These are just a few to get you started on your journey. Have fun hunting and learning!
4. Repeating affirmations in the mirror
Every morning, look in the mirror and repeat this:
I am beautiful.
I love my imperfections because they make me real.
I am worthy of love.
I am so powerful.
I am a beautiful creation.
I know talking to yourself in the mirror might sound silly or awkward, but I promise you it’s not. It really helps after making it part of your daily routine. That’s my claim, but you can search for others that you might like! Give it a shot!
5. Find spiritual balance
A big part of confidence is your mindset. What I have personally found very helpful is using natural products to soothe my body. Get a rose quartz crystal to start with. Many people think it’s only good for romance, but it’s actually great for self-love. Carry it wherever you go. Once a week, in the evening, light a beautiful candle. Turn on your favorite music and dance in your bra and underwear. You heard me right. Dance in them! Let the music sink in and the scent of the candle relaxes your mind. Find the beauty within you. These tips have really helped me on my journey, and I’m sure they will for you too!
I went through a lot of bullying before I lost weight because I wasn’t as thin as the girls in my classes or at my camp. I have so many insecurities and traumas from my childhood, but I was able to heal, so you will too. I want you to know that I believe in you. We are all magnificent creations on this planet who can bring the world to life. We face challenges daily and we are incredibly strong. If you ever struggle with your self-esteem, feel free to DM my Instagram: click here if you need someone to talk to
I would love to hear your story and be there to support you. You are not alone and you deserve to love who you are.
