Body Image and Your Libido

By HelloLife

Do you Like What you See in the Mirror?

Do you have a negative or positive body image? If you answered negative, you are far from being alone. There are social, economical, and cultural standards placed on the ideal beauty of women in the United States that could make any woman question her body image.

The Poor Body Image

Research has linked a poor body image with the development of several conditions.

Anxiety
Low self esteem
Emotional distress
Depression
Eating disorders
Decreased libido
Dieting

The Poor Body Image and Decreased Libido

The cultural emphasis on outer beauty can create detrimental effects on the libido. There is a strong correlation between low libido and a negative body image. Often a poor body image can lead to feelings of unattractiveness which is connected to an overall decrease in desire and libido. This decrease in desire and libido is often accompanied with decreased sexual activity. However, there are certain ways that you can build a better body image to enhance your libido naturally.

Building a Better Body Image

Building a better body image is not impossible. However, it typically does not occur overnight and can require some lifestyle changes. Here are several things you can personally do to build a better body image.

Be Positive

When you look in the mirror, attempt to remind yourself of your positive features. All women have certain physical characteristics they may not like, but it is important to shed some positive light on these things. Instead of being completely negative, admit that imperfection is present, but imperfection is beautiful. You are beautiful.

Respect Yourself

You deserve the same amount of respect you would give to your best friend. Everyone has faults and nobody is perfect; so you should not expect yourself to be perfect. Would you honestly respect someone who is consistently negative about their body image?

Take Care of your Body

Take time to pamper yourself. Take a bubble bath, paint your nails, get that haircut, and make time for yourself. It is also important to take time to exercise. Individuals that regularly exercise typically have better body images. Eating healthy also promotes a positive self image. Every small step counts.

Stop Comparisons

Comparing yourself to the supermodels and actresses on television is not fair. Actresses and supermodels have professional personnel that have made it their career to beautify these individuals to make them look flawless. Keep in mind that less than 2% of all people in this world fall into the supermodel category.

Dress your Best

It is true, certain clothing are more flattering than others. Wearing clothes that are way too big in attempts to hide your body, or wearing clothing that is too tight will only serve to destroy self esteem. Wear clothing that fits, the size doesn't matter. This will send a message both to you and others that you respect yourself and you are worth it.

You are an Individual

Both men and women naturally come in different shapes and sizes, just as we have different ethnicities, hair color, and eye color. You should recognize that you are a unique and beautiful individual.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/build-a-better-body-image-no-dieting-required

http://www.4women.gov/bodyimage/

Photo Credit: suez92