Humans are social beings. Much of the personal development you may have gone through has come in some shape or form from society and interactions with others. Because of this, interactions with others form the base of much of how we behave and act toward others and ourselves.
It is because of this that it is important to understand why we feel uncomfortable within our own skin along with how social pressure and normative standards in society affect our daily lives. In addition to this, it is vital to note how this affects our psyche to leave us feeling deeply insecure about ourselves.
Why do we feel uncomfortable in our own skin?
Society can be a very harsh environment where people are often judged prematurely based on first impressions and normative standards. These include many aspects of your physical appearance such as your weight, skin tone, and the way you choose to carry yourself. Deviating from the established norm is often irrationally punished which can lead to an uncomfortable environment in which you can feel isolated. In many cases, people remember how they were treated in the past which results in them feeling uncomfortable with any differences they may have to others.
In many cases, people who suffer under these conditions try to dismiss these negative feelings to escape the pain it may cause. Many people resort to unhealthy obsessions and behaviours to distract themselves. We often search for solutions that are outside of ourselves to help validate ourselves. These include goals that are not related to the core issues but can provide a temporary sense of self-worth.
How social pressure can affect us
Society and social media have played massive roles in creating and maintaining unrealistic beauty standards around the world. This unrealistic and fake standard is portrayed across all forms of media to create a normative standard that does not reflect most of us. These unattainable standards place pressure on us all to change and mould ourselves in ways that we were not meant to be. This standard also included a strong intolerance for body diversity which directly relates to the problems we face today.
How this affects our psyche to cause insecurity
Being exposed to a society and environment that highlights and focuses on the differences you may have can have drastic effects on your psyche and personal development. This environment creates and sustains a negative self-image for those who do not fit their standard, leaving them at higher risk of developing body image disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and body dysmorphia. In addition to this, the negative body image you may have can cause insecurity in your personal and professional lives.
How to develop self-compassion
Self-compassion is different to self-esteem as it does not rely on comparisons or positive evaluations in order to feel better about ourselves. Although our first instinct would be to build up our self-esteem, self-compassion is often the healthier option over the long term.
In order to develop self-compassion, practice small acts of self-kindness through various means. This can include words of affirmation as well as working on the general acceptance of yourself that is inclusive of every flaw you may see. Self-compassion is rooted in kindness and acceptance, this requires you to treat yourself in a way that allows for you to grow and develop healthy habits in a safe and comfortable environment as well.
Part of this process is to recognise that there is no such thing as perfection no matter how hard you try. This mindset will help develop acceptance and kindness in how you view and treat yourself. This can also help you deal with criticism in a healthier way.
In addition to this, it is critical to spend time and energy dedicated to developing healthier habits in relation to both food and healthy living. This includes physical activities you may be interested in such as sport or working out in the gym.