That definition of body image was taken from the MSN Encarta dictionary.

The picture you are seeing of yourself in your mind's eyes is what you see in the mirror.

Your body image, either positive or negative, was created first by your thoughts.

After making comparisons to someone else's image that you remembered or from recollection of people's opinions, you decide whether you like what you are seeing.

You might be seeing yourself as a fat person or notice that your curve is not revealing enough.

With those distorted thoughts, you might end up feeling ugly and not up to par with whatever or whoever you are comparing with and think of how to fix yourself.

A negative perception of your body image affects your confidence and self-esteem.

You are not going to feel good and like yourself if you feel ugly and think that your physical appearance is unattractive.

When you continue to focus on the perceived flaws, you may develop self-disgust and hatred. And the thoughts will spiral to that of being unworthy.

What are the solutions to a poor body image?

• Start inward.

Honestly look within and find out the origin of your dissatisfaction with your body-image and standard of appearance.

Are you trying to look like what someone expects you to? Was that person your parents, your role models or from some experiences?

Is the media triggering your perception? Are you comparing yourself to what you are seeing? Refuse to allow anyone or anything to set your standard of beauty.

• Change your attitude.

Change your attitude about how your size, weight and appearance should look like. Remove your concerns about how others see and judge you.

Your thoughts affect your confidence. A change in your opinion makes a difference and will affect the result in your life.

Keep in mind that whatever your body tells you is linked to your mind. And your mind communicates to your body whatever you focus on. So start acting like an attractive person and your attitude will catch up.

• Healthy lifestyle.

Keep your life healthy by getting yourself involve in activities. Weight training increases your body strength.

Aerobic exercise and yoga improves your breathing, remove toxins in your body and produce good health.

A healthy lifestyle includes enjoying the outdoors and getting involved in creative activities. Activity brings progress and increases your self-confidence.

• Healthy nourishment.

Pay attention to what you feed your body. Do not neglect to eat balanced and healthy food.

What you eat and drink will determine the efficiency of your body, your emotions and your physiology.

Neglecting to discipline yourself in your food consumption will produce undesirable results. You will end up feeling disgusted and might create undesirable eating disorders.

• Refocus your attention.

Instead of focusing on the parts of your body that you dislike, pay attention to your strength and capability.

Attractiveness includes a pleasing and appealing character. Your charisma lies in your personality and enthusiasm and not in your appearance alone.

When you like yourself and feel attractive, you will attract the people and the situation.

Before you decide to fix or repair your physical appearance, why not change the body-image that you have in your mind?

It takes effort but it is cheaper and seems more practical and permanent.

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