How do I deal with any hangups or negative thoughts I have about my body, especially if I’m feeling a bit out of shape?
This is a common struggle for men, even if it’s not talked about as much as for women. Feeling insecure about your body, especially if you’re not in the shape you’d like, can really knock your confidence. A key step is to shift focus from what your body looks like to what it can do. Celebrate its strength and function. Try to avoid comparing yourself to unrealistic images, especially from social media. Focus on consistent, healthy habits that make you feel good, rather than just striving for an ideal appearance. If negative body image thoughts are really impacting your mood or behaviour, a therapist can help you challenge those thoughts (using CBT techniques) and build self-compassion.
- Body image help: Mind: Body image and mental health
- Beat (for eating disorders, can also help with body image issues): Beat Eating Disorders