Looksmaxing and Men: A Closer Look

Looksmaxing is supposed to help you improve your appearance—but what happens when self-improvement turns into constant comparison, flaw-finding, and never feeling good enough?

In this episode of The Self Help Briefing, Mike and Jen talk about the growing looksmaxxing trend and why something that starts with grooming, fitness, skincare, or style can sometimes become an exhausting cycle of self-monitoring. They explore the difference between healthy self-care and becoming preoccupied with fixing every perceived imperfection.

The conversation also looks at social media, comparison, body image, confidence, and the pressure to keep optimizing yourself. At what point does wanting to look better stop making you feel better?

In This Briefing

Mike and Jen discuss looksmaxxing, body image, appearance anxiety, self-esteem, social comparison, grooming, fitness, confidence, and the difference between self-care and self-criticism.

Article That Inspired This Episode

This episode was inspired by the Guy Counseling article:

“I’m Caught Up in Looksmaxxing and I Can’t Get Out”

https://guycounseling.com/looksmaxxing-feel-worse/

Affirmation

Today's affirmation: "My worth is bigger than my appearance. I can care for myself without constantly searching for something to fix"

 Book Resource

If this conversation hit home, Mike and Jen recommend the book: The Body Image Workbook by Thomas F. Cash.

Find it on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4xtjPTB

 

Follow the Show

If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to follow The Self Help Briefing on your favorite podcast platform. And if you have a moment, we'd really appreciate a quick review. It helps other listeners discover the show.

Visit Us Online or Make Contact

You can visit the podcast at www.theselfhelpbriefing.com to check out our latest episodes or to make contact.

Affiliate Disclosure

The Self Help Briefing may include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are selected because we believe they may be useful or relevant to the topic being discussed.

General Disclaimer

The Self Help Briefing is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed on the podcast should be considered medical, psychological, mental health, legal, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult an appropriately qualified professional.

Production Notes

The Self Help Briefing is a production of G Digital Studios. Episodes may be developed from sources available online. Episode artwork may be created using Adobe Firefly or other royalty-free sources. Articles, books, and other resources discussed in an episode are credited and linked in the show notes when applicable. Voiceovers are generated using synthesized audio.