Why do so many teens struggle with body image?
Gen Z is all about social media, and we couldn’t imagine life without technology or Instagram feeds. It has become our whole life and that is where the problem begins. When we look at the posts of celebrities, like Kylie Jenner for example, we see a perfectly formed and flawless woman on the screen. The perfect slim waist, the big bust and butt, the full lips and all that nonsense that tells us they fit the “beauty standard”. Young girls especially start comparing themselves to see why they don’t look like those photos. Even in movies, teenage characters are played by mature adults in their 20s who are much more developed than the average 15-year-old girl. We see these women on all social media apps and in movies and we start to wonder if I’m not pretty enough.
Social networks are fake. The angles, the filters, the Photoshop, everything exists! But, we tend to forget this and get carried away by comparisons and self-hatred. So here is a little guide to find that love for your body again.
Getting Your License: A Guide for Teens
A funny note from a father to his children to learn how to make dinner
5 tips to learn to love your body
1. Experiment with makeup
I have heard many times that “putting on makeup makes you less beautiful because it is not natural” from the male population. Breaking news! That is totally wrong. Men have the idea that we do makeup for them. For your approval. If you’ve heard too much like this, let’s get that out of your head, babe! Now! Women should never wear makeup to make a man think they are pretty enough. We must put it on FOR OURSELVES. IT IS TO FEEL SAFE OF OURSELVES. I have learned that watching tutorials on YouTube and expressing myself with my brushes and eyeshadows gave me a lot of confidence. I would recommend using products that bring out your already gorgeous features, not cover them. Putting on makeup and learning what makes you feel prettier is a great way to not only express yourself, but to realize that we don’t need men’s approval to feel like a queen.
2. See “I feel pretty”
The plot: A plus-size woman who embodies the average person in society, with insecurities, and “imperfections” hits her head and something magical happens. From the damage to her head, she begins to believe that she is thin 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 sweetest part of this movie is understanding how much she has accomplished and how beautiful she is naturally even though she doesn’t fit the “beauty standard.” I have seen it about 7 times alone and with my family. It really helps you feel pretty in your own skin, and it’s a must-see movie.
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 for the title.
3.Find your style!
Clothes have a lot to do with the confidence we feel when we go out with our bodies. If we don’t like the clothes we leave the house in, it is almost impossible to love the body underneath. Go to a fashion research party!
These are some of my favorite online stores:
1. Cider
This store focuses on the theme of fairies and country houses. They have gorgeous flowing skirts and gorgeous items in browns and greens.
2. Killstar
This website is full of “goth” fashions, from trendy skirts to one-of-a-kind boots. This style is for a very particular taste, but it is very cool.
3. ASOS
The link takes you to awesome baggy clothes with amazing prints on the t-shirts. Some garments are labeled for “men”, but who cares? Fashion is genderless, to be honest. This is where you need to take a look if you like looser, yet trendy clothes.
4. Francesca’s
They have many in-person stores as well as websites to shop online. I’ve been to this store more times than I could count. They sell very nice boutique items for a more modest, but precious look.
There are MANY more amazing places to visit than the stores I have listed. These are just some of them to get you started on your journey. Have fun searching and learning!
4. Repeat affirmations in the mirror
Every day in the morning look in the mirror and repeat this:
I am beautiful.
I love my imperfections because they make me real.
I am lovable.
I am very powerful.
I am a beautiful creation.
I know that talking to yourself in the mirror may seem silly or uncomfortable, but I promise you it is not. It really helps after making it part of your daily routine. This is my statement, but you can research others that you may like. Try it.
5. Find spiritual balance
A big part of confidence is your mindset. What I have personally found very helpful is using natural products to help calm my body. To start, buy yourself a rose quartz crystal. Many people think it’s only good for romance, but it’s actually great for self-love. Take it everywhere. Once a week, at night, light a nice candle. Put on your favorite music and dance in your bra and underwear. You heard me right. Dance with them. Let the music take over and the aroma of the candle relax your mind. Find the beauty in yourself. These tips have helped me a lot on my journey, and I’m sure they will for you too.
I have suffered a lot of bullying before losing weight because I was not as thin as the girls in my classes or at camp. I have many insecurities and traumas from my childhood, but I have been able to heal myself, so you can too. I want you to know that I believe in you. We are all magnificent creations on this planet that can bring life to the world. We face difficulties on a daily basis and we are incredibly strong. If you ever have self-esteem issues, feel free to text my Instagram: click here if you need to speak to someone .
I would love to hear your story and be here to support you. You are not alone and you deserve to love who you are.
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