A Guide for Boys – Body Image

Do you know that also boys worry about their body? As a matter of fact they spent almost as equal time as girls do in front of mirrors!  And some boys have serious body image issues.

What is body image?

Body image is how one sees and feels his body. Generally the way you think about your body, influences your feelings about yourself. When you feel unhappy and insecure about some parts of your body, your self-esteem is going down badly!

Body image and puberty

A boys’ body changes a lot when he is about 13-14 year. That means that his feelings about his body probably changes as well. Getting body hair and having voice changes can be troubling, especially as not all boys change at the same time. It takes time to be comfortable with it. But be sure, as time passes you will feel good with your maturing body!

How to have a better body image?

Here are some ideas, which help you to feel good about yourself:

• Take care of what you like about yourself: watch yourself and go for what you like rather than what you don’t like about yourself.

• Keep busy with what your body can do: your body is more than how it looks. Think of all the things you’ve done with your body like walking, running, playing an instrument, drawing and the list goes on.
• Pay attention to your body’s abilities: don’t take what your body can do for granted. Be content that you can use it for the activities you do!

• Move on a daily basis: to be healthy physically and psychologically a body needs to be active. Look for opportunities and enjoy them! Be proud of what your body can do!

• Strengthen your muscles: having a healthy and fit body makes you feel good about yourself ! Be aware that this doesn’t just happen by itself ! You need to practice and be disciplined! Start with a 20-30 minutes program, which you can find on any app. You can do it just by yourself, but also with some friends. Of course you also can look for a trainer to help you. Whatever you choose, be aware that enough movement each day effects your mood positively!
• Care well for your body: treat yourself well to become a happier and healthier version of yourself. Don’t smoke, drink or eat fast food. Care for healthy and balanced meals, sleep well, keep your body clean, wear nice clean clothes. And take care of your teeth, hair and skin.
• Look at yourself: Be aware that there’s a lot more about you than just looking at your body! Are you a good friend, are you an honest person, are you nice to yourself and people around you? Are you caring for people? Are you loving nature, are you caring for animals and a clean environment? Do you like writing, drawing or playing music? Pay attention to your abilities and qualities ! “You are” what you do!
• Help others: When you help others, you may discover a change in the way you look at yourself!  Use your abilities, skills, strength in helping people. Do some housekeeping jobs, take the trash out, help someone cleaning up their room. Again:” You are what you do!”           Be yourself and be happy!