Let’s Talk About the Pressure to “Look Good”
First, let’s be honest:
In a world where social media is filled with carefully curated images of “perfect” bodies from around the globe, it’s completely normal to feel the pressure to look a certain way.
According to a global survey by Ipsos, nearly 80% of people are unhappy with how their bodies look.
It’s not surprising—most of us grew up in a culture that idolized thinness.
Even the shows we watched as kids often portrayed larger bodies as undesirable or comical, while thinner characters were cast as attractive, confident, and worthy.
Now that we’re constantly exposed to these idealized body types online, body image issues have become even more widespread.
Social media is a powerful way to connect—but it’s also a powerful way to compare.
The “ideal” body types promoted by society aren’t new.
But what’s new is how frequently and passively we encounter them.
And let’s be real—no one is posting photos of themselves slouched on the couch in old sweatpants.
What we see online is only a carefully chosen moment, not the full picture.
So, what can you do when you find yourself falling into the comparison trap?
First, let’s define body confidence.
It’s not about having a certain shape or size—it’s about feeling at home in your body, no matter what it looks like.
It means knowing that your appearance doesn’t define who you are, and that there’s no such thing as a “perfect” body.
When you feel confident in your own skin, you free up a huge amount of energy—energy that can go toward your goals, your mental health, your relationships.
From the outside, it might look like simply wearing a bikini with confidence.
But in reality, it’s about living in alignment with your values, not anyone else’s expectations.
So, how can you build that confidence?
Here are six simple steps to start trusting your body again:
1. Curate your social media feed.
If certain accounts or websites make you feel bad about yourself—mute, unfollow, or take space.
Even if it’s someone you know in real life, you’re not required to follow them online.
Instead, seek out accounts that represent diverse bodies, promote self-worth, or don’t focus on appearance at all.
2. Separate your self-worth from your looks.
We’ve all been taught—directly or indirectly—that our value is tied to how attractive we are.
But you are worthy regardless of how you look.
Truly embracing that idea is a huge step toward body confidence.
3. Stop chasing numbers.
Your weight, your clothing size, the number of calories you burn—none of these define what health or happiness looks like for you.
Instead, learn to listen to your body: eat when you’re hungry, move in ways that feel good, rest when you need it.
Your body will take the form it’s meant to.
4. Focus on what you love about yourself.
Body confidence isn’t just about liking your reflection.
It’s about accepting who you are—your values, strengths, quirks, and everything in between.
Think about the traits that make you, you.
Can’t think of any? Ask someone who loves you. Their list will probably be long.
5. Try neutrality.
If loving your body feels like a stretch, try starting with neutrality.
Moving from “I hate my body” to “I love my body” can be hard.
Instead, try: “I appreciate what my body lets me do.”
Phrases like “I’m grateful my body got me to work today” or “I’m glad I can still move freely” can begin to soften negative self-talk.
6. Accept that bodies come in all forms—and yours belongs too.
Every body tells a story.
Maybe while you’re picking apart your reflection, someone else is wishing they looked more like you. The truth is: every body is different. Every body is enough.
Body confidence isn’t a final destination—it’s a daily practice.
There’s no one-time fix, no magic solution.
Some days will be harder than others. And that’s okay.
Be gentle with yourself.
You’re still learning.
Small steps count.
And wherever you are in your journey—we’re walking with you.
