Ela Apostol – Beauty Pageant, International Model, and Psychologist, said, “The beauty is a package”
Emily Ford
June 6, 2023
Natália Oliveira
June 6, 2023
In this exclusive interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ela Apostol, a remarkable individual who excels in both the worlds of beauty and psychology. Ela believes that beauty is more than just physical appearance, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and inner well-being. Join us as we delve into her personal journey and gain insights into maintaining a healthy body, balancing multiple careers, addressing body image misconceptions, and the profound connection between mental and physical health
How do you personally maintain a healthy and fit body? Can you share any tips and tricks?
• With discipline, I am very active.
• I wake up early in the morning.
• My skincare routine is about 2 hours per day.
• I do sports, meditation, spend time in nature.
• I take collagen supplements and eat a balanced diet.
• I have a positive attitude towards life.
• I don’t do anything forced, and somehow my body shows me that I am doing well.
• For a healthy and fit body, I would recommend:
• Avoiding stress as much as possible.
• Following a balanced and clean diet.
• Trying massage and body shape procedures.
• Engaging in cardio for at least 30 minutes every day.
• Participating in sports depending on your preference, such as pilates, yoga, or fitness.
How do you balance your work as a psychotherapist and your career as a model?
• Psychotherapy is my vocation.
• I work in psychotherapy every day and also spend my “free time” studying in this field.
• Both fields are wonderful, and I am blessed to work in what I like in this life.
• I do modeling with passion; it is a glamorous field.
• I meet interesting people that I wouldn’t meet anywhere else.
• I receive a lot of attention, respect, and appreciation.
• I like fashion and elegance, and everybody behaves very well with you when you are a model.
In your opinion, what are some of the most common misconceptions about body image and self-confidence, and how can they be addressed?
• We tend to believe that changing our physical appearance will make us feel better.
• However, no matter how close you get to beauty standards set by society, the positive feelings will be short-lived and result in something else you want to change.
• In fact, being beautiful and having a positive image about yourself is a feeling that comes from within.
• Self-confidence develops when you are aware of who you are as a human, your talents and abilities, and the contribution you bring to other people’s lives.
• Beauty is not just about physical appearance; it is about the whole package, and it is not defined by body size.
As someone who has experience in both fields, what role do you think mental health plays in physical health and vice versa?
• This is my favorite topic!
• The mind, emotions, and body are interconnected.
• Every part of our psychic system is directly connected to a part of the body.
• Unprocessed emotions, stress, or anxiety will be somatized in the body.
• Most of the time, the disease is just a symptom, a result of an emotional cause.
• Therefore, health begins first in the mind and in our emotions.
• The way you think, feel, and act will be reflected in your state of health, the choices you make, and how your life looks in general.
How do you think social media affects women’s body image and self-esteem? And what can be done to promote a healthier mindset?
• It has been demonstrated that social media directly affects self-image.
• I would suggest women not to compare themselves and not to seek validation on social media.
• Instead, try to create real connections with people in their lives as much as possible.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the modeling industry, and how did you overcome them?
• As a woman, you face challenges every day.
• The modeling industry is beautiful but superficial.
• You are chosen based on your physical appearance.
• The fact that I am 1.80m tall and my body meets the “required standards” made it not difficult for me to succeed.
• Of course, as a model, you have to be serious like in any other job.
• It involves standing for hours on heels, many hours of shootings, rehearsals on the catwalk, and traveling a lot to keep the body in the best shape.
• But I like those challenges; they motivate me.
Why psychology?
I always knew that this is what I will do. The empathy I was born with, the love for humans, and the curiosity to understand the human psyche made me follow my calling.
I’ve always wanted to understand why people react in a certain way, why life is pleasant for some and hard for others. I had a lot of questions about myself and others, and I found the answers. Now, I guide others to find their own answers. I also knew that knowledge means power. Life is how you create it, and the people you interact with are perfect mirrors of what you think about yourself. The way your relationships, well-being, and reality look show you the system of your beliefs. That’s why I chose psychology.
As a model and psychotherapist, what advice would you give to young women who struggle with body image issues?
• I would recommend treating themselves with tolerance and focusing on their abilities and qualities.
• Every woman is unique, and in the end, beauty is relative.
• I also had body image issues at some point. It’s normal, especially when you are very young.
• I started to embrace my body when I understood the things my body does for me every single day.
• I often think about my passions and the dreams I want to fulfill, and I appreciate the role my body plays in achieving those dreams.
• I am happy with my reflection in the mirror, not by changing my body, but by changing and growing the way I perceive myself.