Promoting a Healthy Body Image for Summer

Alongside summer and warmer weather, many of us begin to focus on how our body looks, directly impacting our mental well-being. We begin wearing more revealing clothing and showing more skin, which can invite a negative mindset when it comes to our appearance. As we navigate societal ideals, personal expectations, and social media, we can’t help but try to escape the narrative and trend of being “skinny” and all that encompasses within diet culture and its impact on body image.

As a society, we are making great strides toward body acceptance and body positivity; however, it can be more complex to navigate during summer months. Exploring body image in the context of summer invites us to reflect on how we view ourselves and consider strategies for fostering a healthy relationship with our bodies.

Practice Mindfulness and Surround Yourself with Positive People

Mindfulness is a useful tool when discussing body image because it allows you to nonjudgmentally become aware of your thoughts and feelings. When we are mindful of our feelings, we can then actively surround ourselves with positive people and influences. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, even for a few minutes each day, can gradually help shift your mindset toward a more positive and accepting view of your body image.

Limit Social Media

During the summertime, the number of social media posts skyrockets. Depending on who you follow, your social media can foster a detrimental headspace for yourself. With the rise of influencers, we are seeing more people posting content about what they eat in a day, the clothes they are wearing, or their “Get Ready With Me” routines. This can send negative body image messages to followers. It is human nature to compare ourselves to others, so it’s important to consciously and carefully choose to follow accounts that promote positive messages. Implementing boundaries with your social media usage can positively impact the way you view yourself. 

Body Neutrality vs. Body Positivity

The difference between body neutrality and body positivity allows for a healthier approach to how we perceive our bodies. Body neutrality is the idea of being more accepting of your body by focusing on its abilities rather than its physical appearance. For instance, if you are feeling down about your body or holding it to unreasonable standards, you can reframe the way that you talk to yourself by feeling proud of the fact that your body allows you to participate in activities that you love. Body positivity is the idea of loving your body, no matter the societal expectations or pressures. This can be challenging at times based on external factors; however, if you can find even a few aspects each day that you love about your body, reminding yourself of those aspects  will help boost your self-esteem. Encompassing a dual approach of both body positivity and body neutrality allows you to tackle the way that you view your body image throughout the year, regardless of the season. 

Conclusion

If you are struggling with body image, reach out to a mental health professional. Individualized therapy acts as a support to promote a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotional needs, which can help you live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

References

Ferguson, S. (2024, May 2). Is there a relationship between social media and body image? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/social-media-and-body-image Fuller, K. (2022, June 30). Body positivity vs. body neutrality. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/body-positivity-vs-body-neutrality-5184565#:~:text=Body%20neutrality%20is%20different%20from,abilities%20and%20non%2Dphysical%20char