CW: This article features discussions of negative body image
Megan Levick
For most, the summer months are full of good vibes, associated with beach days, beer gardens, and backyard BBQs. But for those enduring a battle with low body image, summer can often be a challenging time.
Around this time of year, our social media feeds are flooded with bikini pictures and bombarded by diet culture. Combined with societal stigma and the constantly perpetuated idea of a “beach body”, it can be difficult not to cave under the pressure to look a certain way.
“Creating boundaries and, most importantly, sticking to them, can be crucial to your confidence.”
Many factors can contribute to low confidence and, if you’re struggling with your body image this summer, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In an online survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, the results showed that 20 per cent of adults felt shame, 34 per cent felt down or low, and 19 per cent felt disgusted by their bodies in the last year.
I believe that no one should feel excluded from having fun this summer, so I’ve put together a list of ways that might help you on your journey to self-love and body acceptance.
Respect your boundaries
Creating boundaries and, most importantly, sticking to them, can be crucial to your confidence. Instead of feeling like you have to participate in certain activities or conform to the expectation of wearing less clothing, wear what you are most comfortable in. If a bikini isn’t your vibe, don’t feel pressured to wear one.
While sometimes challenging your boundaries can lead to new experiences and growth, it’s important to prioritise your comfort and well-being. It’s equally vital to surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries and have a positive influence on your self-image.
Change your mindset
I’m sure by now we’ve all heard the saying “A bikini body is just a body in a bikini”, but it really is that simple. Try to adopt this neutral mindset and create a positive inner dialogue. You can also practice introspection and establish a healthy relationship with your body by having conversations with yourself about the way you look and working towards acceptance.
“Try naming things that you like about your body and saying positive affirmations out loud.”
It sounds cliché, but self-love truly is the most important kind of love, and treating yourself with kindness can be essential to your confidence levels. Whilst external sources of validation and compliments are flattering and can boost your self-esteem, showing the same kind of respect to your own body is just as important.
We can often be far too harsh when it comes to our appearance, so if you find yourself falling into self-critical thought patterns, shift your mindset and combat these intrusive thoughts. Try naming things that you like about your body and saying positive affirmations out loud. Remember, you deserve to be happy and comfortable!
Filter your Feed
Social media can be a toxic and dangerous place at times, especially during summer. Our feeds are flooded with weight loss campaigns, ads for diet pills, and online encouragement to drop pounds to achieve the ideal summer figure. These subliminal messages all contribute to our perception of our bodies.
“Beauty exists in diversity, and all body types should be celebrated!”
With the influx of bikini pictures, along with the rise of Photoshop and image editing, the unrealistic beauty standards held against us online can negatively affect the relationships we have with our bodies. So, instead of consuming media that contributes to this downward spiral, curate your feed by following creators who inspire you and make you feel good about yourself.
Representation is important, so seeing people of all shapes and sizes, with bloated bellies, stretch marks, acne, scars, body hair and skin conditions is both informative and empowering. Beauty exists in diversity, and all body types should be celebrated!
Seeing others on social media normalise different bodies might encourage you to adopt a similar mindset. In a survey conducted by the Women and Equalities Committee back in July 2020, a young woman said, “Positive social media influencers have helped me feel more confident about my body image”.
Some of my favourite accounts that have a positive influence on my own mindset are @selfloveliv, @lottiedrynan, @laura.adlington and @florence.simpsonn.
Read More:
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BODY IMAGE, EXERCISE, AND MAKING PEACE WITH IMPERFECTION
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DON’T BE EMBARRASSED, EMBRACE IT: BODY HAIR
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REFLECTING ON BODY IMAGE INSECURITY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Featured Image courtesy of canweallgo on Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image license found here.
