Are you looking in the mirror and judging every lump, bump, and wrinkle?

In this episode, I'll look at the four components of body image and how we can change our minds

about our bodies. Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist. I'm your host Dr.

Monica Johnson. Every week on this show I'll help you face life challenges with

evidence-based approaches a sympathetic ear and zero judgment. It's the start of

a new year and for many that means standing in front of the mirror

cataloging everything that is quote-unquote wrong with your body that you plan to fix this year

Well, I'm here to help you fix your mind about your body.

We will start by giving a basic definition of body image.

Your body image encompasses your perceptions, beliefs, feelings, thoughts, and actions that pertain to your physical appearance. In essence, it's your personal relationship with your body.

I like this definition because you have a lot of control over those things if you're using

the right coping strategies. The goal in my mind

is to spend most of our time in a body positive or body neutral state. There is enormous societal pressure to look a certain way.

So even the best of us will have insecurities that crop up from time to time.

We can be avoidant. For example, performing behaviors like avoiding buying new clothes or looking into mirrors or intentionally trying to hide parts of our bodies.

How many of you hide your bellies or refuse to wear shorts because you have

thicker thighs or cellulite? All this does is communicate the message that your body is bad.

The first time I wore a two-piece swimsuit, I was close to 400 pounds.

I was inspired by Gabby Fresh, who had dropped on the scene as a fashion blogger and

eventually started her own swimsuit line. It was liberating to let it all hang out.

We are four-dimensional beings and it's okay if our curves reflect that.

Everything from a Megan the Stallion to Alfred Hitchcock so yuette is welcome.

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