Hollywood, Give Us A Break

Celebrities influence us more than we may realise. Our lives are unconsciously being shaped by them - on social media, on TV, we might even read articles promoting a certain vlogger's make up, or a singer's weight loss hack.

We are being force-fed these toxic messages: get skinnier, get abs, wear makeup, be prettier, eat less, work out, look perfect, dress right, have a partner, be attractive.

On top of all that, social media is said to make 13% of teens who spend more than 3 hours online feel depressed, and 32% report anxiety. This is the shocking truth, according to source etactics.

So how can we fight this 'toxic media'? How can we recognise it, stay away from it, and filter it out of our lives? How can we build up our self-esteem in a world of plastic bodies and flat stomachs?

1. Limit screen time.

This may be hard for some, and, if so, take a break. Play a board game. Get some sleep. Go for a walk. Listen to your favourite songs or a podcast. This will get you away from the virtual reality that lives inside these electronic rectangles, and might even make you feel more positive about yourself.

2. Review it.

Every time you see your friend's photoshopped selfie on Instagram, or Kim Kardashian's pic of her latest surgery, ask yourself, 'Does this make me feel good about myself? Does it make me feel bad? Am I comparing myself to this picture?" If the answer is yes, it makes you feel bad, consider skipping past this post. Ignore it.

3. Don't feed it.

Don't feed it? I hear you say. Toxic media is a beast. "I'm not pretty enough? Why don't I take a selfie and see if I can build up self-esteem through likes?" That doesn't work. It only feeds the beast, building insecurities upon insecurities that run like a silver thread through generations upon generations. Basing your social status and overal worth on the fickle basis of 'likes' is damaging to your mental health, according to an Entrepreneur article, which you can read here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/328749

4. Accept yourself.

This one is super hard. There are a few steps you can take to make this easier and ensure you feel fantastic about you and your body.

a) Talk About It

Address this issue with a parent, a friend, a teacher, somebody you can trust. Ask them their opinion and what they would do.

b) Take a self-esteem class

These are super good - you can find some on Outschool if you are a teenager, or younger. If none are available, you could book a session with a therapist or somebody similar. There are also plen

c) Do a self-photo shoot

Put on makeup (if it makes you feel better about yourself), do your hair differently, wear your favourite outfit, and get out your camera. This could be a super fun thing to do to brighten up your body positivity and get you feeling great about yourself.

Just think: is it worth it? Chances are, toxic media probably isn't, and it's more important to feel good about yourself than to compare yourself to others.

d) Wear clothes that make you feel good

Purposely pick clothes that are practical and make you feel comfy. If following the latest trends really makes you feel good about yourself, follow those trends, queen! If wearing pink, frilly dresses makes you feel positive, by all means, go all out. If simple, casual tees and jeans are what empowers you, again, no one's stopping you.

You can do it!

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