I have spent too much time on diets: Beyoncé on struggle with body image

Renowned American singer Beyoncé Knowles has opened up about her struggle with insomnia and yo-yo dieting while detailing the impact of her work on her body.

In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Beyoncé elaborated on how excessive touring has taken a toll on her health, leaving her with muscle aches, pain, stressed hair and skin. “I think like many women, I have felt the pressure of being the backbone of my family and my company and didn’t realise how much that takes a toll on my mental and physical well-being,” she admitted.  “I have not always made myself a priority,” confessed the Single Ladies hit maker.

The 39-year-old added, “I’ve personally struggled with insomnia from touring for more than half of my life. There are years of wear and tear on my muscles from dancing in heels. The stress on my hair and skin from sprays and dyes to the heat of a curling iron and wearing heavy makeup while sweating on stage.”

The Black Is King crooner said she understands the need to “take care of [herself] and listen to her body.” But amidst these acknowledgements, she also opened up about her struggle with body image. Beyoncé disclosed she was fixated on her physique. “In the past, I have spent too much time on diets with the misconception that self-care meant exercising and being overly conscious of my body,” she said.

The actor, who is also mother to four children with husband Jay-Z, said she is trying to change her habits and focus on her mental health to register the “subtle signs” that her body needs a break. “My health, the way I feel when I wake up in the morning, my peace of mind, the number of times I smile, what I’m feeding my mind and my body – those are the things that I’ve been focusing on. Mental health is self-care too.”

Beyoncé revealed that she is “learning to break the cycle of poor health and neglect, focusing my energy on my body and taking note of the subtle signs that it gives me. Your body tells you everything you need to know, but I’ve had to learn to listen.” She added, “It’s a process to change habits and look past the bag of chips and the chaos everywhere!”

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