Hello Boushie Babes,
Today we are going to talk about body dysmorphia and self-reflection. Did you know that I and our brand ambassadors struggle with body dysmorphia on some level? So what is body dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphic disorder
Also called: BDD, body dysmorphia
A mental illness involving obsessive focus on a perceived flaw in appearance.
The flaw may be minor or imagined. But the person may spend hours a day trying to fix it. The person may try many cosmetic procedures or exercise to excess.
People with this disorder may frequently examine their appearance in a mirror, constantly compare their appearance with that of others, and avoid social situations or photos.
I learned that over the years doing Boudoir most women have some level of BDD, and most don’t even know it, like me. I worked out all the time, I felt a need to just be better, and look better, was never happy with how good I looked, regardless of my weight. Especially after I had kids and my body changed man was that hard to learn to accept my body as it was then instead of how it was before all youthful, it was kind of deflated.
Callie, is struggling to love her new body after losing weight and being smaller than she has ever been as an adult, and it’s been hard this year, which is why she is a brand ambassador to help her learn to love all her new curves and lines she didn’t have before, she’s doing it to document her story too, and help any of you on your journey too.
My point is young, old, small, or big, you can have and struggle with body image I think we all do to some degree, and if we say we don’t we are lying to ourselves, It is a journey for sure, and some days are better than others. So, let’s inspire each other and help each other to love ourselves a bit more on our journeys, below are a few tips on how to deal with BDD, but I want to first say the biggest one is to get help from a licensed professional like a doctor or therapist, I am not that, I am a just someone who struggles herself and wants to helps others along the way however I can.
Full disclaimer: I am not a therapist, so please seek professional help if you need that level of help.
These are things that have helped me or my clients, or I have been told to try, or I have read somewhere that could help with body image.
Ever feel like your view is upside down?
Helpful Tips for Managing Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Mirror Work: Spend a few minutes each day looking at yourself in the mirror and practicing positive affirmations. Focus on appreciating your body for what it can do and finding features you like about yourself. This practice can help reframe your self-perception and foster a more positive body image.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings about your body. Use your journal to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. Reflect on your progress and celebrate small victories in self-acceptance.
Counseling: Seek the support of a licensed therapist or counselor who specializes in body dysmorphic disorder or body image issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in addressing the distorted thoughts associated with BDD.
Boudoir Photoshoot Series: Consider scheduling a boudoir photoshoot to see yourself from a different perspective. A skilled photographer can capture your beauty in ways you might not see yourself, helping you appreciate your body in a new light.
Sexual Healing Work: Engage in sexual healing practices to reclaim and reconnect with parts of yourself that you may feel disconnected from. This could include tantra, bodywork, or other forms of therapy designed to help you embrace your body and sexuality in a healthy, positive way.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you develop a more compassionate relationship with your body and reduce the intensity of negative self-perceptions.
Physical Activity: Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy. Exercise can boost your mood, improve your self-esteem, and help you feel more connected to your body. Choose activities that make you feel good, whether it's yoga, dancing, hiking, or swimming.
Support Groups: Join a support group for people with body dysmorphic disorder or body image issues. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer practical tips for managing BDD.
By incorporating these practices into your life, you can begin to shift your perspective on your body, foster self-acceptance, and ultimately improve your mental and emotional well-being.
I don’t think there is one right way to do things so try things out and find out what works for you, I have also learned that if down the line you have to reevaluate things and change things that’s okay too, I think it’s part of the journey, pivoting, and adjusting.
If you are a woman Join us in Boushie Babes Haven on Facebook, this is a ladies-only group. I don’t have a group for men yet just know my page is a safe place for anybody. Just be respectful.
