Fit-Twist Health: Body Image & Self Esteem

Monday, July 25, 2016

Body Image & Self Esteem

Summer is here and swimsuit season means that we will show our flaws in public. I am body conscious like many women and since I used to be fat, I have a negative view of the media. The models in ads and magazines look too good to be real, they're young, beautiful and thin or fit. Appearance matters because that's how people make their first impression. It's shallow, but true. I was judged not for my creativity, my love of kids and animals, but on my weight. I suffered from low self-esteem because I was bullied and called stupid. That left scars and they remain even after many years of maintaining a healthy weight. I still feel insecure in a swimsuit outside of the water. Once I'm immersed, I feel light and free. My ideal place to swim is an outdoor pool with few or no people around and l got to do that in Japan at the hotel where I stayed in. I had jet-lag, woke up around 6 a.m, went to the pool in the 24-hour gym, signed in with my room number and plunged in. I happily swam laps until I was tired and even soaked in the hot tub for a while. I was alone and didn't have to worry about how I looked. I realized that I shouldn't concern myself about others opinion of me, especially strangers.

So let's love our bodies and stopping picking on our flaws. Be grateful for our health and focus on our assets. Be good to your body - hydration, nutrition and exercise are 3 keys to health. Drink plenty of water, eat fresh local foods (stop when you're 70% full), exercise (do something that you enjoy). I love yoga and walking, so I do both.