The current media ideal for women’s overall appearance is achievable by less than 2% of the female population. But we are bombarded with this unrealistic ideal. Young women today see more images of exceptionally beautiful women in one day than our mothers saw throughout their entire teenage years. It’s no wonder that 8 out of 10 women are dissatisfied with their appearance. The standards of female beauty have become progressively more unrealistic and unattainable. We need full-time hairdressers, make-up artists, physical trainers, and dietitians just to attempt to keep up. Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York neuropsychologist and mother of two who understands this plight and provides 8 ways for women to feel more beautiful.
Beauty Is No Panacea
On average, attractive people are not happier than their homelier peers. “A sense of optimism and hope, gratifying relationships and meaning and purpose in your life have much more influence on your happiness than do your looks,” says Dr. Hafeez.
Understand that the women we see in magazines, advertisements, and television shows do not actually exist.
They are phantoms, created by tricks of makeup, lighting, and Photoshop, not real women! Yet we compare ourselves to them, and decide that we don’t measure up. You’ve probably heard Cindy Crawford’s famous line, “I wish I looked like Cindy Crawford.” Because the real Cindy Crawford (who is a beautiful woman) doesn’t look anything like the woman we see in magazines or on television. “So don’t compare yourself to women who don’t exist,” says Dr. Hafeez.
Don’t Compare Yourself
Or, at least, don’t compare yourself with people whose bodies are unrealistic goals for most of humanity. If your standard of attractiveness is too high, you’ll always be discouraged. Dr. Hafeez points out that, “Most of us will compare ourselves whether we want to or not. “Try to compare yourself to other normal people in your culture, and who are about your age. This will make you feel so much more attractive than when you compare yourself to unachievable ideals.”
Remember What Your Body Can Do
When you feel unattractive, it’s easy to focus on all of the things that are wrong with your body. When you think about what your body can do, the gifts it gives you, you will feel more attractive simply because you will feel better about your body, and it’s hard to think well of something and be down on it at the same time.
Say “Thank You”
When you give thanks, you focus on what is good about your life. If you’re feeling unattractive, focus on things you’re thankful for about your body. You may love the texture of your hair, or the way your calves fit so well in boots. Dr. Hafeez says that, “Even if most of the things you’re thankful for are little, the act of giving thanks for them will help you feel more attractive.”
Do Something That Scares You
“It’s easy to fall into routines that turn into ruts, but trying new things literally triggers a happiness response in the brain, says Dr. Hafeez. So do something you’ve always thought looked fun but never had the nerve to try. That spin class you’ve been talking about trying is a great place to start. Go skydiving. Travel. Learn a new language. Get your Scuba certificate. Endorphins are a powerful thing, and you can stimulate them right now for immediate gratification and long-term gain.
BE AN OBSERVER, NOT A JUDGE
Don’t issue good/bad/pretty/ugly judgments when you look in the mirror. “If you have a scar, you can decide to see it as a flaw or simply as a memory of an injury,” says Dr. Hafeez.Try to take in your physical attributes the way you would those of a child or beloved friend—with appreciation and acceptance, not criticism.
Exude self-confidence.
Show the world that you know you are beautiful where it counts. “Your self-confidence rises in direct proportion to your self-acceptance, remarks Dr. Hafeez. Love the unique and beautiful person you are and share that with the world. This is basically a case of “fake it till you make it,” and that’s not a bad thing.
Sanam Hafeez Psy.D
New York State Licensed Neuropsychologist and School Psychologist
Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City based Neuropsychologist and School Psychologist. She is also the founder and director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. She is currently a teaching faculty member at Columbia University. Click here to see Dr. Hafeez on Dr. Oz: http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/do-smart-drugs-work-we-test-them-so-you-don-t-have?video_id=4518086514001
Dr. Hafeez graduated from Queens College, CUNY with a BA in psychology. She then went on to earn her Master of Science in Psychology at Hofstra University. Following that she stayed at Hofstra to receive her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) She later completed her post-doctoral training in Neuropsychology and Developmental Pediatrics at Coney Island Hospital.
