When people gather, certain topics often arise, such as fitness and healthy eating. Somehow, conversations often gravitate towards weight. Is it society or social media that drives our obsession with appearance and ties our self-worth to physical beauty? How prevalent is this in your circle of friends? When was the last time weight, exercise, or diet came up in your discussions? We claim we exercise and eat better for health reasons, but are we masking a deeper desire to conform to societal ideals of beauty and acceptance? Social media bombards us with messages that we’re not thin enough, attractive enough, or successful enough, perpetuating a cycle of insecurity and manipulation.

Here are three steps to help you appreciate your body and shift your perspective:

First, identify the most meaningful aspects of your life—family, friendships, career, passions like environmental activism. These define us beyond our bodies. When the urge for a perfect body strikes, remind yourself of these invaluable aspects. Life encompasses far more than worshiping a body that inevitably ages and changes.

Second, limit your exposure to social media, or avoid it altogether if possible. Endless scrolling can breed discontent, especially when comparing your body to idealized images. Before-and-after photos suggest that your body isn’t good enough as is, fueling unhealthy habits and unrealistic expectations. Remember, what’s shown online often omits the true story or may be digitally altered. Comparison steals joy and distracts from appreciating your own journey and body.

Third, focus on what your body can do rather than how it looks. It’s a remarkable machine that sustains your life without constant intervention. Your heart beats, your lungs breathe, and your limbs move you through the world. Appreciate these functions regardless of appearance. Treat your body with kindness and gratitude, acknowledging its resilience and capacity to support you daily.

Societal beauty standards are especially damaging to teenagers navigating self-discovery. Social media dictates norms on how we should appear and behave. Cultivate a healthy relationship with your body through acceptance and mindfulness. Eat when hungry, listen to your body’s needs, and forgive yourself when things don’t go as planned. This journey requires patience and self-compassion.

Ultimately, a positive relationship with appearance isn’t bad, it is just incomplete. Embrace your body at any size, understanding that true self-love transcends physical appearance