SHALL WE TALK ABOUT "THE PRESSURE TO LOOK GOOD"?
First, let’s acknowledge this:
It’s perfectly natural to feel the pressure to “look good” when social media is overflowing with photos of people from around the world showcasing their “perfect” bodies.
According to a survey conducted by Ipsos, nearly 80% of people are not satisfied with the appearance of their bodies. That's because we’ve lived in a world for a long time where thinness has been presented as the “ideal.” Even in the TV shows we watched as children, the overweight character was always portrayed as “undesirable” or “funny,” while the thin characters were considered more attractive.
With the widespread use of social media, we’ve become overexposed to idealized body types, and body image issues have become noticeably more common. In other words, yes—social media is a great way to connect with people all over the world, but it’s also an easy way to fall into the trap of comparison.
We’ve always known that society idealizes certain body types—this isn’t new—but the rise of social media means we now see them more than ever. And let’s be honest: hardly anyone shares photos of themselves in old sweatpants, lounging on the couch, looking like a regular human being.
So, what can you do if you find yourself falling into the social media comparison trap?
Let’s start with the concept of body confidence:
Body confidence is the ability to feel at home in your body, no matter what it looks like. It’s the understanding that your appearance doesn’t define who you are as a person—and that there’s no such thing as a “perfect” body.
When you live in your body with confidence, you free up an incredible amount of energy to focus on your goals, your mental health, and your relationships. On the outside, it might look as simple as confidently wearing a bikini, but the real benefit is that it allows you to live a life aligned with your true values.
How to Build Body Confidence
Ready to let go of the dissatisfaction you feel about yourself? Here are six steps to help you feel more confident in your body:
1. Customize your social media feed:
If certain sites or profiles trigger negative feelings, don’t follow them. Even if they’re people you know in real life, you’re under no obligation to follow them online. Instead, seek out accounts that promote positive body image, represent diverse body types, or focus on content that has nothing to do with appearance.
2. Separate your self-worth from your appearance:
We’re constantly taught—both directly and indirectly—that our value is tied to how attractive we are. But once you understand that you are worthy no matter how you look, you’re on your way to true body confidence.
3. Stop focusing on numbers:
Your weight, pant size, or calorie count don’t define what a healthy and happy version of your body looks like. Instead, learn to listen to your body. Eat when you’re hungry, move in a way that feels good, and rest enough—your body will look how it’s meant to.
4. Focus on what you love about yourself:
Building body confidence isn’t just about liking how you look—it’s about embracing who you are. Think about the values, qualities, and achievements that make you, you. Appreciate your strengths. If you’re not sure where to start, ask someone who loves you—they’ll probably have a long list ready.
5. Try body neutrality:
If body confidence or positive self-talk feels out of reach right now, start with neutrality. It’s hard to go from “I hate my body” to “I love my body,” so body neutrality can be a helpful middle ground. Start by appreciating what your body does. Saying things like “I’m grateful my body got me to work today” or “I’m glad I can still exercise” can reduce negative thoughts about your body.
6. Recognize that the world is full of diverse bodies—and yours is one of them:
Every body has its own story. While you’re criticizing yourself, someone else might be looking at you and comparing themselves negatively. The truth is, every body is unique.
Think of body positivity not as a destination, but as an ongoing practice. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix that solves everything—it's a daily act of self-acceptance. So if some days your thoughts drift into negativity, don’t beat yourself up. Remember that you’re still learning, even small steps count as progress, and you’re never alone on the journey to becoming fully yourself.