Some people look in the mirror or at photos of themselves, and see only the flaws and none of the good stuff. You are not alone! Even successful or famous people can worry about their looks. Body image is about how you feel about your body, not about how your body actually looks.

It can be hard to value your own body when you compare yourself to the beautiful photos you see of celebrities. But remember that these are people surrounded by a team whose job is to help them look the way they do. And if that fails, publicists simply alter their photos to make them look younger and better.

Having a negative body image may mean that you worry about a small flaw in your appearance or you always think you can look better. It may mean you don’t listen to your body when it’s hungry or full, or you ignore a health concern. It may mean you don’t like your body, are obsessed with it, or don’t take care of it.

Change the way you see yourself:

1. When you see yourself in a photo, mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts (like your hair, legs, stomach or skin). Look at yourself as a whole person and appreciate the function and health of your body and its parts.
2. Become critical of social and media messages. Notice how carefully posed they are. Pay attention to images or attitudes that make you feel bad about yourself or your body.
3. Wear clothes that make you feel good about your own body. Don’t try to look like a fashion model if you don’t have the body of a fashion model (very few people do!).
4. Compliment yourself and others who need it. Mix it up with outer and inner qualities like kindness, fun, loyalty and a sense of humour.

We all have to work to resist messages that suggest our bodies are not good enough. Learning to feel good about yourself can make you feel happier and more confident. There is no such thing as a “perfect body” anywhere. Learn to feel good about yourself. It can make you feel happier and more confident.