With the proliferation of technology, our definition of beauty is shifting to the pursuit of perfection… People are looking for perfect images, perfect selfies, perfect butts, perfect shape and size penis, flawless beauty…achievable with high tech camera filters, but not so achievable in real life. When the filters go off… We have to look at ourselves and that’s generally where the challenges begin… When I look in the mirror… How do I feel about the person staring back at me?  The struggle with a poor body image impacts our lives on multiple levels. Negative feelings about the way you look, your body, and your appearance can negatively affect how you interact with others, your ability to thrive, and hinder you from accomplishing many things, including connecting with your loved ones or achieving an orgasm.

Many people don’t understand the real impact of a poor body image and the extent to which it can influence our lives. It often results from an underlying issue and is not simply vanity or selfish ambition. Sometimes how we feel about ourselves and what we look like are not the same. Poor body image is different for different individuals. We may feel negativity towards one specific body part or multiple areas of our bodies. This negativity can trigger more serious and problematic conditions, such as isolation, avoidance of social events, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and more.

For example, someone who suffers from anorexia may be very thin but will look in the mirror and see someone much bigger than he or she is.

Body image and sexuality: What’s the connection?

For some people, body image struggles infiltrate their relationship with loved ones. Self-doubt and negative self-thoughts make it challenging to open ourselves to others, creating intimacy blockages. As difficult as it is to open up to someone, it’s even harder when you feel desperate to hide part of yourself, particularly in the bedroom.

Body image is part of sexuality – how we feel about our bodies. Whether we know it or not, the way we see our bodies has a big influence on us every day, including the decisions we make. Research conducted suggests that women with poor body image experience less sexual satisfaction often due to distracting thoughts about their bodies. They are also less likely to initiate sex and are more self-conscious. Most women find fault with their bodies, which can lead to shame, shyness, anxiety and a less than ideal sex life.

So how do we make it better?

There are so many pressures from society to look a certain way that it’s hard to resist them all. However, there are ways in which we can keep our self-esteem healthy.

KNOW THE FACTS:

We usually have hair and skin colour similar to those of our biological parents, and we often develop their body types, too. It’s good for us to realize that we get many of our body characteristics from our families. These characteristics make us unique, diverse, and beautiful in many ways.

THINK ABOUT IT:

“THE PERFECT BODY?” Most people have seen the media’s idea of the perfect body for a man or a woman, but these are not realistic images. Magazines, for example, use a computer to cut away or shade the bodies in their photos. It’s unfair to compare ourselves to something that doesn’t even exist. QUESTION BEAUTY IMAGES: CREATE BETTER ONES. It is important to question our images of beauty.

• Do our images of beauty include people from all cultures and people with different levels of physical ability?
• Do we see the beauty in people for who they are, rather than what they look like? It’s up to us to accept stereotypes or reject them. In a world with better body images…

Imagine a world that values more than one kind of body. Think of all the things that would change for the better.

We might:

• Be less judgmental, so it would be easier for everyone to feel good about themselves. Embrace and accept people whose bodies have different capabilities.
• Value our bodies more and take better care of our health, including our sexual health.
• Be more comfortable with ourselves in romantic relationships and not focus on how our partners think we should look.

UNDERSTANDING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN BODY IMAGE AND SEXUALITY IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF LEADING A HEALTHY LIFE.

A negative body image can be your sex life’s worst enemy as it does not flow well with intimacy. Studies show that shame and anxiety about one’s body lead to the avoidance of physical closeness and reduced sexual satisfaction.
It is the voice in our head telling us that we need to lose weight, have lighter skin, look taller, have better skin, look younger, etc, before we can truly be attractive. It is the seed of doubt when someone is checking us out at a bar. It is the thought that haunts our minds when we are in bed with someone, drowning out any thoughts of pleasure.

“Sexual intimacy involves the sharing of your innermost essence with another person, and being able to pay attention to yourself as well as to your partner.” If you’re preoccupied with your body and the negative self-chatter… Is my stomach sticking out? Has my partner noticed the cellulite on my butt? you obviously won’t be focusing on their desires or yours, nor be present in the moment. It’s like having a third, unwelcome person in the room: you, your lover, and your cellulite. How intimate is that?

GET HELP and If at all possible and preferably, discuss these concerns with your spouse or partner. If you feel shy or are unable to discuss with your partner or spouse… this may be something you can share with the guidance of your therapist or counsellor.

OPEN COMMUNICATION, vulnerability and honesty about our fears and struggles can be extremely helpful in a relationship.

FOCUS ON ASPECTS OF OUR BODIES WE DO LOVE. The shift from negative thoughts to positive ones can do wonders for our self-esteem.

Don’t forget to SPICE UP YOUR ENVIRONMENT from time to time. Your environment can boost your confidence when intimate with your loved partner. Creating a comfortable and romantic environment for you both can help set the mood for intimacy and distract you from any discomfort you may be feeling. Spicing the mood up with items such as lubricants, enhancement oils/gels, lingerie, massage oils, music, etc, all assist in creating an environment that is ideal for intimacy and connection.

Purchase Intimate Bunny….arousal and lubricating oil aimed at enhancing intimacy.

The ideal mood enhancer for both females and men, designed for more intense love making.

Intimate Bunny is THC free, will not psychoactive effect on your body.

• Has heating elements to assist with enhanced arousal and blood circulation for erection stimulation.
• Made from plant extracts, with natural anti-bacterial properties
• Hormone-free
• Vegan
• Toxic free and no artificial fragrances
• Will not affect vaginal PH
• Not suitable for use with condoms