Low self-esteem and body complexes are emotional problems that can worsen during the summer months. Social pressure and unrealistic beauty standards can contribute to people feeling insecure about their physical appearance, which can significantly impact their psychological well-being. In this article, we'll explore the underlying causes of low self-esteem and body hang-ups in the summer, as well as some strategies to address these challenges.
Causes of low self-esteem in summer
1. Comparison with others
One of the factors that can contribute to low self-esteem in summer is the tendency to compare oneself with others. With the arrival of the beach and pool season, it is common for people to feel pressured to show off a "perfect" body according to social standards. This constant comparison with friends, family or public figures on social networks can generate feelings of dissatisfaction and personal devaluation.
2. Advertising and the media
Advertising and the media play a significant role in creating unattainable beauty ideals. During the summer, advertising campaigns often promote products to achieve an "ideal" body in a short time, which can generate unrealistic expectations in people. Constant exposure to retouched images and models with perfect bodies can negatively impact the self-esteem of those who do not fit those standards.
3. Social pressure
Social pressure during the summer to look a certain body type can have a significant impact on people's self-image. Social events such as beach parties, meetings with friends or vacations can generate anxiety and worry about not meeting the expectations of others. This pressure to fit into a specific mold of beauty can trigger feelings of inferiority and shame.
Summer body complexes
1. Excessive self-criticism
Complexes with the body are usually associated with excessive self-criticism towards one's own physical appearance. During the summer, when body exposure is greater, people tend to focus on their imperfections and flaws instead of valuing their body as a whole. This self-criticism can lead to feelings of shame and discontent, affecting self-esteem in a negative way.
2. Body disformia
Body dysformia is a psychological disorder in which the perception of one's own body image is distorted, leading to excessive concern about supposed imperfections. In summer, this condition can be aggravated due to constant exposure to the body and comparison with prevailing beauty standards. People who experience body dysformia may feel ashamed or insecure about their appearance, which contributes to low self-esteem.
3. External comments and criticism
Negative comments or criticism received about the body during the summer can fuel complexes and low self-esteem. Exposure to judgments about physical appearance from family, friends, or strangers can be especially detrimental to a person's emotional health and self-image. These external opinions can generate insecurities and complexes that affect the perception of oneself.
Strategies to address low self-esteem and complexes with the body in summer
1. Practice self-compassion
It is essential to learn to treat yourself with kindness and understanding instead of being so critical of yourself. Practicing self-compassion involves recognizing that perfection does not exist and that we all have imperfections. Instead of focusing on flaws, it is important to value and accept one's body as it is, with its strengths and weaknesses.
2. Challenging beauty standards
Questioning the beauty standards imposed by society and the media is essential to improving self-esteem. It is important to remember that beauty is diverse and subjective, and that there is no single "ideal" body type. Valuing uniqueness and body diversity helps build a positive self-image and break with unrealistic comparisons.
3. Limiting exposure to negative triggers
Identifying and limiting exposure to negative triggers that affect self-esteem is essential to improving emotional health. This may mean unfollowing social media accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards, avoiding toxic conversations about physical appearance, or setting boundaries with people who make harmful comments about the body.
4. Seek professional support
In cases where low self-esteem and body complexes significantly affect a person's emotional well-being, seeking professional support is essential. Psychological therapy can be of great help to work on building a positive body image, overcoming complexes and improving self-esteem. A specialized therapist can provide personalized tools and strategies to address these challenges effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, low self-esteem and body hang-ups in summer can be emotional challenges. significant that affect people's mental health and well-being. By identifying the underlying causes of these problems, as well as implementing strategies to address them, it is possible to work on building a positive body image and strengthening self-esteem. Recognizing the importance of self-compassion, challenging unrealistic beauty standards, limiting exposure to negative triggers, and seeking professional support are key steps to overcoming these emotional challenges and cultivating a healthy relationship with your body.