With spring break around the corner, I’m sure I’m not the only one who has heard phrases like these countless times:
“I’m so large”
“I literally don’t even want to go to spring break anymore, I can’t wear a bathing suit right now”
“I can’t believe I ate pizza last night, I hate myself”
“I’m so ugly I don’t want to take any pictures right now”
This generation has an extreme problem with positive body image, especially with social media being so prominent. You can spend hours scrolling through the “Explore” page on Instagram, comparing yourself to random girls. In addition to this, we spend way too much time replaying Snapchat stories, watching beauty gurus on Youtube and stalking Twitter accounts wondering why we don’t have that hair, that tan, that tiny waist or that perfect wardrobe.
Now I’m not saying I don’t have my moments of insecurity and self scrutiny, but recently I have made it a personal mission to avoid these habits. This is definitely something easier said than done, but there are small things you can change to make this possible. For example, try and cut your friends off anytime they make negative comments about themselves. By doing this, you’ll find that you’re more aware of your own comments about yourself. If you’re constantly trying to keep your friends in check, you’ll be much more aware of what you say about yourself.
Another habit I’ve started is saying one positive thing to myself every morning in the mirror. No matter what my skin looks like or how my hair looks, I try to say things like “I am beautiful” or “I look great” every morning before I leave for class. This might sound silly and feel weird to do, but even this small change to your day can really have a positive impact on your day and how you feel about yourself.
Another main thing I’ve really been trying to do is not get down on myself for what I eat. We’re all in college, often stressed out and super busy. We’re humans, not Victoria Secret models whose main job is to exercise and eat well. It’s totally okay to treat yourself to pizza, Chipotle or Chick-Fil-A. Women need to understand that one bad meal is not going to change your body. Also, we need to understand that our bodies fluctuate throughout the day. If you feel a little bloated later in the day, that’s totally normal and shouldn’t be a trigger for self-hatred.
Last but not least, as women we need to stop with comparison. There are countless beautiful women in this world but we need to realize that includes us. During high school I found this quote and have loved it ever since: “Another woman’s beauty is not the absence of your own.” I used to have major issues with comparing myself to other women and getting really down about how I would never look like them. I’ve truly come such a long way from that low point by complimenting women. When I see someone beautiful in public, I’ll go out of my way to compliment them. I’ve found that this really empowers other women and myself, and helps me not feel bad about my personal experience. I think we can all agree that a compliment from a stranger can truly make your day, so next time you find yourself comparing yourself to someone else, go up to her and make her day!
Hopefully these new ideas and challenges will motivate you to stray from the common habits of our generation to tear ourselves down. This spring break, really try and love your body and the way you look, because that mindset will truly change your life. I have become a much happier, confident and stronger woman by living my life this way, and I wish the same for all of Collegiate Women in Business.