Attitudes towards body image have come a long way in recent years, yet many messages we receive in the media often have a negative effect. This includes one of the “myths” associated with body image that seems to resurface every summer: the beach body.
For many, pressure to be “summer-ready” adds unnecessary stress to a period of time that should be all about fun and relaxation. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to feel more confident on the beach.
All Bodies Are Beach Bodies
At one time, most of us had an image of what the “ideal” beach body looked like - and by association, what it was acceptable to wear to the beach depending on your physical appearance.
Thankfully, we are seeing more body diversity in fashion, and while there is still room for improvement in this area, it shows that what we choose to wear to the beach (be it a bikini or more modest swimwear) does not depend on body shape or size.
Tweak Your Internal Algorithm
Comparison steals joy: this is especially true when it comes to social media, a place where we are often confronted with images representing bodies that not only look very similar, but are usually enhanced using filters.
While you might be familiar with curating your online algorithm, it can also help to think about this in terms of our “mental algorithm”. In other words, replacing negative self-talk with more positive, self-compassionate language.
Be Positive
One way to approach this is with body positivity, which is all about learning to embrace and love one’s own personal appearance. The other is body neutrality, which has more to do with accepting and respecting the body exactly as it is.
While some feel more comfortable with body neutrality, there are ways to integrate the two. For example, you can learn to appreciate your own unique beauty while knowing that throughout babies, birthdays and breakups; your body has been there to carry you through it all.
Down With Diet Culture
We often see diets being pushed that are at best unsustainable and at worst, unhealthy. While moderating things like sugar and saturated fat is beneficial to health, the only thing it seems we should be “cutting out” is the toxic narrative that some foods are “good” while others are “bad”, which can contribute to disordered eating.
Eating disorders are complex and varied: some might overeat to try and self-soothe; others may restrict eating to feel more in control. Low self-worth tends to be a common theme. If any of this sounds familiar, remember it’s okay to seek help, and that you are worthy of care and support.
Reclaim Summer Fun
In the same way that you can replace boring workout routines with activities you used to enjoy, remember the reasons you love being at the beach and when clouds of negative self-talk threaten to appear, let the sun shine and shift focus to what’s around you.
Mindfulness not only helps to ease rumination, and it also allows us to be more present. You can do this by engaging your senses: at the beach, feel the sand between your toes, watch the sea sparkle, listen to the waves, smell the salt air, and savour that ice-cream. Summer comes once a year, so let yourself enjoy it.
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