“You Look Great!”
Health doesn't have a look.
"You look great!" - Said to a person who is not feeling great and is struggling with their mental health.
A common assumption that is spread in the fitness industry is that health is based on appearance. Or a number on the scale.
It's a very narrow view of health.
You can't just go to a gym, lift some mental health weights, wake up the next day and be 5 mental health pounds stronger.
It ain't that simple. Exercise can absolutely assist in how you feel, but it is also another form of stress.
When we comment on people's physical appearance, it can negate the mental health component of overall health.
Here's is a different approach you can take if you want to comment (positively) about someone's appearance:
You: "How are you doing? How is work?"
Friend: "I am doing great, my new position at work is a lot less stressful!"
You: "That's awesome! You seem a lot happier. It's noticeable!"
OR
You: "How are you doing? How is work?"
Friend: "I am not doing great, I've been very stressed lately!"
You: "Sorry to hear that, do you want to talk about it?
You've complimented their appearance without making it about physical attributes or given them the opportunity to talk to someone about how they are feeling.
If you have other thoughts or ideas comment below!
