When self criticism is good

Filed in archive Inner Health on November 25, 2007

Being critic to oneself is never good. It usually brings negative feelings and can even lead to depression if you start being too negative.

But there are times when we should be more critic towards ourselves, when it's time to take a good look in the mirror and tell what you see.

When we are young vanity is a vital daily part of our life. We make sure we are wearing the latest fashion, use make-up and that we are attractive. Boys want to show of their muscles and girls want to show off their bodies and beautiful faces. And that's teenage life.

As we get older that can change. If you get married and have kids those things that were so important all of a sudden are not important at all. I believe this happens more to women than to men. Women have more pressure on themselves; they are supposed to be beautiful.

Getting older also means becoming more comfortable with yourself and your body. If you have had kids your body will be different but that does not mean you can't have a good looking body. Being comfortable with oneself is great but when you start piling on the pounds and the only exercise you do is go shopping in the supermarket and you can't remember when was the last time you put make up on then maybe its time to look in the mirror and wake up. What you see will reflect on how healthy you are.


That is when you need to take a look in the mirror and say; "well yes, it wouldn't hurt if I lost a few pounds and toned up a bit", and that without being critical and start feeling bad about yourself. It's not about punishment, it's about being good to your body and treat yourself the way your body deserves. It's never too late to change.

It's not about having a perfect slim body; it's not about being on a diet, nor is it about pressuring yourself to look good. It's about having a healthy body. And frankly, being overweight is not healthy. Everyone knows that. But as we get older we exercise less and our ability to stay healthy lessens for every year that passes. That is why we need to make sure we eat well and include exercise in our daily life so we can stay happy and healthy for many years to come.

Being comfortable with oneself is good but being comfortable and healthy is even better!

Do you think we get too lazy and comfortable as we get older?