They say that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. It means it is subjective to what people perceive as beautiful or attractive. But any comment about a person’s appearance, positive or negative, can make an impact. It can either uplift a person if you find him or her attractive. But it can also dampen someone’s emotions. This may lead to a person having a negative body image.
There have been reports that negative body image has been a source of mental illnesses. Some effects are anxiety and depression. Which may lead to eating disorders and body dysmorphia. One of the most famous victims of this was a 70s pop music icon, Karen Carpenter, lead singer of The Carpenters.
Image by Irina L
In the midst of their popularity, Karen has been suffering from insecurities regarding her weight. Reports said that it all started when she was in high school, as she was being ashamed about being fat. She started by losing 25 pounds and adopted the water diet from there. The Carpenters’ popularity grew into stardom, yet her insecurities are getting the best of her.
In 1975, Karen Carpenter collapsed on stage. It’s been reported that Karen was about 90 lbs during the incident. But that was because of a sudden drop from 120 lbs. The weight loss continues in the next few years. But the result is a cycle of repeated hospital confinements and treatments. And on the 4th of February 1983, Karen suffered a heart attack.
After further studies, results show that her cause of death was anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder is characterized by many abnormalities. Some of them are increased fear of gaining weight and unusual weight loss. And this is due to extreme efforts not to gain weight.
This very sad story fuels the fact that people need to look good. And it’s not only about looking good physically. But it has something to do with feeling good about yourself. It reinforces the fact that when you look and feel good, you will have healthy and happy thoughts.
Simple Steps to Look Better So You Feel Better:
* Do Physical Activities.
Weight loss from dieting is good if you have some sort of physical activity. Do some 30 minutes to an hour of breeze walk in the morning. Not only will you get the vitamins coming from the sunlight, but you also get the mental health benefits of going outdoors. You can also play a sport that you love. A few hours of sweat will go a long way if done regularly.
* Get Professional Treatment
There are many safe and affordable procedures aimed at helping people look good. There are facial treatments that help make your face glow. There are belly fat reduction treatments for that perfect beach body look. And there are also hair treatments that make your hair your crowning glory. If looking good will make you happy, these treatments are answers to your prayers.
* Have a Positive Outlook and Be Kind
Not that you ignore troubles and problems that you face. But always see that in every problem there is a solution. Learn to smile all the time. And the best way to do that is by showing kindness to others. Because your kindness will either be appreciated or it will be returned with a smile. And that will always make you feel good.
Here are 3 Ways That Physical Well Being Improves Mental Health
It Makes You Confident
When you look in a mirror and you are happy with what you’re seeing, then you leave the house with your head held high. And when you step into a room, people will feel your presence. You can present yourself well. You can carry out a conversation even with strangers. You will feel no shame about who you are.
It Opens Up Opportunity
Radio Announcer Cooper Lawrence once said, “Beauty serves you to get in the door. But it is your talent and personality that gets you to the next level.” And in any company you want to work for, or any promotion that you wish you to get, that’s where you want to be. You want to get in the door. And people who look good will always have that opportunity.
It Diverts Your Attention
When you look and feel good, you will have no time to look at negative things. Your outlook will push you to hope for better things. You will have a passion for good things. You will do everything to experience a good life from looking at your bad situation.
Beauty and good looks matter. But mental health matters more. And you need to do something about both. You will not be a complete person if one of them is missing. Work hard to achieve good looks so that you will feel good. But what will bring fulfillment is when you are happy and content with what you have.
