When it comes to the idea of beauty, the images and standards presented to us by society can often influence how we view ourselves. From television, magazines, and movie stars, to the advertisements we see every day, it can often be hard to differentiate between societal pressures and our true feelings. In this article, we will explore the impact of beauty standards, examine how they’ve affected self-perception, and discuss the consequences our skewed perception may have.
1. Exploring the Beauty Standard: Society’s Impact on Self-Image
Nowadays, the beauty standard has become a burden as it is becoming harder and harder for many to achieve the unattainable. Society’s alluring messages of perfection puts extra strain on young people, as trends are constantly pushed without consideration of psychological impact it has.
Many people are hung up on the fact that they don’t match today’s beauty standard. This is because society uses beauty as a tool to differentiate between who is accepted and who is not. Those who don’t comply to what is considered beautiful are unintentionally cast out. The media also holds a big part of the blame on this, using the power of its influence to dictate beauty, setting unachievable expectations of what a human should look like.
The pressure grows to be part of a society defined by a standard in beauty and appearance. We are conditioned to believe that low self-esteem, anxiety, fear, and insecurity are part of the status quo. In some cases, this has created an epidemic of people believing that they are inadequate because they don’t measure up to unrealistic criteria.
Though we often can’t control what is put out into the media, we can be mindful of how it affects us. We can choose to embrace our unique features:
- Focus on taking care of your health both mentally and physically
- Love yourself and appreciate your qualities
- Be kind to yourself and recognize your inner beauty
- Surround yourself with positive people who will bring out the best in you
Though beauty standards have changed over the centuries, it’s essential to keep in mind that we shouldn’t judge others nor ourselves based on external metrics, because beauty is personal and subjective.
2. Navigating the Pressure to Conform: Unpacking the Effects of Conditioning on Personal Well-Being
It can be difficult to break out of a pattern of conforming to the demands imposed by society. We all face our own unique pressures that can be difficult to confront, especially when they are so heavily internalized. Understanding these external forces can be the first step to addressing them and reclaiming your own well-being.
The First Impact: Entrenched Beliefs
Pressures to comply with societal expectations can be internalized and manifest themselves in our attitudes and beliefs. Conforming to these demands can lead us to think in patterns of thought that are not necessarily beneficial to ourselves. The result is often an entrenched approach to problem-solving that restricts exploration, creativity, and development.
The Second Impact: Subconscious Behaviour
In addition to our reduced capacity for problem-solving, conforming to external pressures can lead to an unconscious way of life. We may find ourselves believing that we are incapable of making decisions at odds with the expectations of our peer group and succumb to patterns of behaviour that are not beneficial. These can often take shape in small but consistent decisions that can have large scale effects on our overall wellbeing.
- Do I unconsciously avoid taking risks?
- Am I routinely sacrificing my own needs for those of the people around me?
- Do I systematically avoid questioning societal expectations?
Taking the time to evaluate your own behaviour and attitudes towards these expectations can be an effective way of becoming conscious of potential clashes between what is expected and what is best for your personal well-being.
The Third Impact: A Lack of Mindful Living
When we are conditioned to live within the confines of external influences, it
3. Looking Inward: Identifying the Dangers of Feeling Unattractive
When it comes to beauty, a lot of focus is placed on physical appearance, but how we feel about our bodies is just as important. Feeling unattractive is an issue that affects millions of people around the world, and it can have a serious impact on our daily lives. Here are three dangers of feeling unattractive to be aware of:
Low Self-Esteem
- Undervaluing yourself and your own worth
- Focusing on the negative aspects of yourself
- Cultivating feelings of shame and guilt
Low self-esteem comes hand-in-hand with feeling unattractive. Many people fall into the trap of self-deprecation, especially in the age of social media where it has become an accepted form of expression. We can start to undervalue our own worth and pay too much attention to the things that we dislike about ourselves. Focusing on negative aspects only serves to fuel feelings of shame and guilt, leading to further attacks against our self-esteem.
Poor Health Habits
- Becoming isolated
- Engaging in unhealthy eating habits
- Undergoing risky cosmetic procedures
When we feel down about our physical appearance, it’s easy to become isolated and disengage from social activities. We may take our insecurities out through unhealthy eating habits such as binge eating or crash dieting in an effort to change our physical appearance. People can also be driven to undergo risky cosmetic procedures in a desperate attempt to improve their image.
Diminished Mental Wellbeing
- Experiencing depression
- Fighting anxiety and fear
- Struggling with relationship problems
Unhappiness with our physical appearance can often lead to diminished mental wellbeing. Negative thoughts and feelings can become overwhelming, leading to depression and anxiety. Feeling unattractive can even have an effect on our relationships, leading to feelings of fear and a reluctance to trust others. This can impede progress in any meaningful relationships we may be attempting to build or sustain.
4. Seeking Balance: Towards a Hallmark of Healthy Self-Perception
At the core of a healthy self-image is feeling balanced. We all strive to achieve that perfect balance in our lives, for when we are feeling pulled in all directions, it can be extremely overwhelming. Finding the equilibrium between life’s competing forces is no easy feat, but it is perhaps essential for attaining a stable sense of self.
The key is to recognize your own individual needs and weigh them against the needs of those around you. Situations and relationships can often take priority within our lives, but this should not come at the expense of your own wellbeing. When push comes to shove, it is important to remember that you must always put yourself first in order to remain emotionally healthy and whole.
When attempting to maintain balance, there are a few key ingredients that should be taken into account. Consider the following list:
- Setting limits: Put your own boundaries in place and respect them.
- Managing expectations: Don’t be afraid to turn down requests or to ask for help.
- Staying positive: Focus on solutions and don’t be taken in by destructive thoughts.
- Finding meaning: Remember things that make you happy and strive to better yourself.
Healthy self-perception is a hallmark of a balanced life. While it may take some effort to get there, it is achievable. Being mindful of your own emotional needs and striving for equilibrium in life is essential for preserving your mental and physical health.
The discussion of beauty standards and their effects on self-perception is complex and can often feel overwhelming, but being aware of the many interwoven layers of society’s influence is key to understanding and tackling this problem. Moving forward, it is essential to make an effort to evaluate and redefine beauty standards so that our ideals of beauty reflect a more positive, inclusive outlook. Only then can we ensure that each individual feels comfortable and validated in their own skin.
