Have you been enjoying your summer or have you been feeling bad about your body and unable to enjoy this time of year?? Body image is a tricky thing during this time of year so I want to share some helpful tips to stop feeling bad about your body and feel happy in the skin you’re in!
If you answered yes to all of the above then great! I’m glad you are enjoying yourself and the summer weather. If you answered no, my question would be why?? Some of my clients state they feel they can’t enjoy time at the pool or beach because they are too concerned with how they look in their bathing suit.
There’s a quote I read recently that stated something about being 80 and being sad you didn’t just wear the bikini and not care because you missed out on memories.
In our fat phobic society people in larger bodies face even more criticism during the summer months about how they might dress or present. And many people with bodies sizes generally accepted by the public feel they shouldn’t be out in a bathing suit because of poor body image issues. All of these problems are only perpetuated by the media- “this bikini hides your love handles” “try this diet to ditch 10lbs for summer” the list goes on and on, not to mention all the airbrushed models in magazines wearing the swim suits every day people like myself are buying.
Tips if you are feeling bad about your body
Societal pressures tell us that thin is best and that we are less worthy if you are in a bigger body. Let’s set the record straight- your value does not depend on how much physical space your body is taking up. Fatphobia in our country is very widespread and poor body image affects people of all shapes, sizes, gender identities, and races. I’m sharing some tips/helpful reminders to enjoy your summer in whatever size body you are in!
Your worth is not tied to your weight or your “summer body” size
Crazy concept that you are actually defined by who you are as person not the size bikini bottoms you are wearing. I love to recommend the Body Kindness Book to anyone who feels their appearance is more important than values, life, happiness, etc.
Treat your body with love, kindness, and acceptance
It has done so much for you- appreciate it because something like walking onto a beach or diving into a pool isn’t something everyone can accomplish physically. Saying these helpful things OUT LOUD to yourself is the best way to start spreading that message to your mind. Body image with Bri has been a great resource to stop hating your body.
Stop obsessing over the scale
Scales are unhelpful- weight does not determine health so what is the scale even measuring? Nothing helpful so GET RID OF IT!
Ditch negative messages
That means your friend that keeps saying she hates her body- either ask her to stop or chose not to spend time with her at the beach or pool. Negative self talk isn’t helpful for anyone. Don’t forget to stop following people on social media that are putting out messages that are making you feel bad about your body. Check out some of my other body positive posts HERE and HERE.
Choose to be present in the (summer) body you have right now
Focus on the moment you are in- enjoy the crashing waves, kids going to the slide, getting deep into your book. There are so many wonderful and positive things happening all around you- focus on the positive.
If you’ve been struggling with body image, especially during these summer months I have good news for you! I’m accepting 4 more clients for the summer months- reach out via email or check out my services HERE. I do a free discovery call to make sure it’s the right fit to work together and that I can help you solve your problems.
