Isolating myself out of insecurity?

StardustParticles · 2020-11-27T08:22:43+00:00

I wish I had a full, quick way to answer this question completely. It is hard learning to love and value yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin.

That being said: you are beautiful because you are you. Sure, it's cliché but it's cliché because it's also true.

One thing I've noticed about myself (32F) is I just barely missed when Instagram became a thing and was a part of the early social media days. Point blank, these apps create horrible body image standards and I have cried at the impacts they've had on my younger cousins and my 'nieces' (who are really my best friend's daughters).

If you are active in and frequently scroll using these apps - I'd stop. This comparison culture is so toxic, misleading, and outright unrealistic.

Being with family, who can often be overly critical because they feel comfortable with you is super hard. Especially around this time of year. Remember, you aren't obligated to and don't have to do any participation in activities or get togethers with people who are going to make you feel bad or worse about yourself.

Try looking in the mirror and naming something that you like about yourself and your body. Negative self talk is hard to break. You are your worst critic and sometimes recognizing this behavior pattern and attempting to stop/change it when it occurs is helpful.

Hope this helps. Xoxo

penelopekitty · 2020-11-27T12:29:55+00:00

This is a case where the internet can be your friend. Change your focus from IG model types to yourself. I recommend the following.

Start practicing yoga. Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube has a lot of different short videos. The benefits of yoga are numerous. You will focus on what your body can do and how it feels instead of how it looks. A regular yoga practice can cure IBS, it did mine. Yoga also promotes mindfulness which will help with any rumination about your appearance. After some time (take as long as you need) add weight training to build muscle.
Learn how to cook - many great YouTube channels for this. This is very important for both your health and finances. Proper nutrition and healthy food will also help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and improve IBS symptoms. Avoid take out, fast food and prepared foods.
Social anxiety - go outside every day for a walk. Practice making eye contact or saying hello to someone. I suggest a woman or a child. Initiating these small interactions can help break through the social anxiety - bonus: you may even brighten someone else's day.

What men think of you is irrelevant. Do not give them so much power. You should devote your time and energy to building your own physical and mental strength and wellbeing.

This advice works. I know because it's what I did for myself. I shared many of your issues, but I have overcome all of them. You've got this!

Title	Isolating myself out of insecurity?
Author	TheTower_14
Upvotes	45
Comments	3
Date	November 26, 2020 8:36 PM UTC (3 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askFDS
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/AskFDS/comments/k1mvm4/isolating_myself_out_of_insecurity/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askFDS/isolating-myself-out-of-insecurity.1067991 https://theredarchive.com/post/1067991