Mirrors – How Taking a Break Now Will Set You Free

I don’t know about you but I have a complicated relationship with mirrors. I use it for everything from a quick hair check to a full and condescending body check. While a mirror may be necessary for putting some makeup on, it can also take a major toll on your mental health. Looking too much can lead to anything from a preoccupation with your appearance, increased anxiety, or even having Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

While there may be no harm in using a mirror for your basic everyday tasks, being engrossed in using one to validate how you feel can be dangerous.

How do you know if you need to take a break from the mirror?

Using it to validate ideas about your appearance
Using it to body check (examining, measuring, or monitoring something related to your body)
Not being able to ignore one
Looking at one brings up negative body thoughts

When I was in treatment this last time, I had my partner cover up all the mirrors in our house except for one that didn’t show from the waist down (and even that one was covered in positive affirmations). I went 10 months without seeing my full body. That time allowed me to learn how I felt about my body based on my senses and allowed me to be able to get dressed without needing to body check.

How to take some time away from mirrors?

Even if you don’t have BDD or an eating disorder, some time away from the mirror may be beneficial to your mental health. This time away can look different for everyone.

Covering full length mirrors
Covering all mirrors
Interrupting mirror space so that you can only see a portion of yourself

However long it takes for you to become comfortable with the feel of your body and your clothes is totally individual. For me it took 10 months because I was recovering from a severe eating disorder. For you it might take only a few months or maybe it’ll take longer. However long it takes, I promise it’s worth it.

Now I can lookout my reflection when I get ready and then walk away. I can walk by one and not have to stop. I can look at my outfit and not fixate on my body. If it takes covering up a mirror for a while to make you more confident, so be it. Because you deserve to love you the way that we love you.