Beach Body Positivity

There is nothing better than summers in Chicago. We finally get some long-needed warm weather and sunshine, but for those of us with a more negative body image, summer also brings the pain of shorts and bathing suits. As we head into beach season, let's take a few minutes to consider how to maintain a positive body image.  

Body Positivity can be a tricky concept for some - it can seem impossible to love a body that feels so uncomfortable. If you are someone who finds body positivity feels too far from where you are at now, Body Neutrality might be a better fit. Body Neutrality is a middle ground between hating and loving your body, accepting your body as it is, and respecting it for what it can do. 

Whether you are someone who leans more toward Body Positivity or Body Neutrality, we can remind ourselves that our worth is NOT based on our appearance. While this is easy to remind ourselves, it can be difficult to feel confident in the moment, especially in a bathing suit! Below are some tips and tools that can help keep us feeling as hot as the temperature.

Wear what makes you feel good. Ignore what's in fashion, what you wore last year, and what all of your friends have on - find items that makes you feel confident, or at least comfortable. When we wear uncomfortable items we spend more mental energy on our appearance instead of having fun. 

Break in that bathing suit. For those of us who can't stand how they look in a swimsuit, one helpful technique is to spend more time wearing it. Wearing a bikini around your house may sound silly, but it will help to feel more comfortable wearing and seeing yourself in it. The more comfortable we are, the more confident we can feel. 

Learn your triggers to better manage them. Are there people, places, or things that tend to bring up negative emotions? It might not be possible to avoid all of our triggers, but we can prepare for them. That might look like unfollowing certain social media accounts, coming up with responses to body-related comments, or practicing breathing techniques for moments of stress. 

Let's be intentional to challenge those body insecurities this summer. You are beautiful exactly as you are, and more than that, you have so many strengths unrelated to appearance. We all deserve to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine!