Summer is right around the corner. While this season may bring many fun times and exciting activities, it also brings with it some anxiety and stress around body image. During this season, we are showing more skin and more of our bodies than we’re used to as we lie out by the pool or head to a festival with friends. And that’s why women of all shapes and sizes struggle with body image and self-esteem issues on a more frequent basis in summer.
But, as the warm weather approaches, we want to ease your worries and fears around body image and the insecurities you may be experiencing. We are all processing so much because the past year has been unprecedented and many of us haven’t been able to live our lives as we normally do. So, the last thing that we want you to do this summer is be stressed about your body while holding yourself back from having the best summer you can. Here are our highly effective secrets to feeling confident this summer.
1.Take the Body Positive Approach
Let’s take cue from the body positivity movement , which encourages us to love and accept our bodies as they are. Body positivity has helped so many women overcome body image issues and insecurities, and it can help you, too. If you need a little inspiration and motivation to channel some body positive energy, follow women on social media who promote body positivity or have your similar body type. Seeing them confidently live their lives and embrace their body will encourage you to do the same.
2.Enhance Your Summer Wardrobe
Confidence starts with clothing. When you wear an outfit that you feel beautiful in, you start to radiate a positive and vibrant energy. If you’re looking for cute plus size clothes that are also flattering and confidence-boosting, we recommend wrap mini dresses that accentuate your curves. Sleek maxi slip dresses also contour your figure and feel amazing on your skin during the summer months. These dresses will not only have you feeling cool this summer, but you’re also going to notice a huge boost in confidence
3.Embrace Your Curves in Flattering Swimsuits
One of the biggest reasons why body insecurities run rampant during summer is because we spend a lot of time in swimsuits. But, in order to take control of your summer and have a good time, you need to reframe the way you think about swimwear.
If you usually feel most comfortable in a tankini or one-piece, this is the summer to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and embrace cute and fun plus size bathing suits. There are so many different styles out there that can easily make you feel comfortable, but also enhance confidence. But that’s not all! We have another tip for you.
If you find yourself hitting the beach or the pool and worrying about what others are thinking about you or whether or not people are judging you, remember that every woman—no matter her shape or size—has insecurities, too. Even if you don’t think someone could feel insecure about their body, most women are probably worrying about whether people judge them or not at the beach or the pool.
4.Take a Solo Trip
Traveling solo is the quickest way to take yourself out of your routine—whether you love or hate it—while showing and teaching you things about yourself you never knew. As a solo traveler, you will have to adapt to different situations in real-time, and you will also get to create itineraries that you don’t have to compromise on. If you ask us, this is the perfect way to get out of your head and fall in love with yourself! Besides, who doesn’t want a tropical vacation?
5.Fill Your Summer with Activities You Love
If you want to have fun this summer, you will want to pack your schedule with all of your favorite activities. Even if body insecurities are running rampant, you’ll be too busy to notice with all the fun you’re having. And, if you’re feeling more confident and you want to try your hand at something new, take yourself on an adventure and partake in an activity that challenges you. There’s nothing like the confidence boost that comes from experiencing new things and partaking in something challenging.
6.Develop a Routine
Routines build confidence and establish normalcy. If you wake up every morning and do the things you need to start your day off on the right foot—like making your bed, having your favorite morning smoothie or getting some exercise in—you’ll feel more confident and ready for the day ahead. And how does this relate to your body image? Routines establish a strong foundation, which will bring up your confidence levels as you start your day and keep them at a place that feels good to you. When you feel good, it shows in the way you carry yourself.
7. Recite Positive Affirmations Everyday
You probably take a look in the mirror more than once as you start any summer day. Whether it be to brush your teeth or to check out the outfit you put together, you usually see your reflection and make a judgment about yourself. Next time you look in the mirror, ask yourself if this judgment is fair or kind to yourself.
If the first things you think of when you look in the mirror are characteristics you want to change about your body or things you don’t like about your appearance, try correcting that narrative with a positive statement. Developing a list of positive affirmations that you can recite to yourself before you leave your house every summer day can dramatically boost confidence.
This also helps to eliminate some of that negative talk you experience—whether you do it consciously or subconsciously. In turn, your confidence and body image will be elevated before you even get your day started. It’s important to be in a positive mindset if you want to enjoy summer and your body.
8.Find Your Body Positive Network
A lot of times, our own friend groups can be the place where we receive the most criticism and harsh feedback of our bodies. Women talk negatively about their bodies quite often, and it definitely can affect the friend dynamic. If you find yourself in a friend group that puts you down or talks about their own bodies in a negative light, it may be time to surround yourself with other women who want to have a body positive and confident summer.
Even if this girl group can only talk over the phone or online, it will be nice to have people to turn to who build you up. This body positive network can also hold you accountable for having the summer of your dreams with daily check-ins or maybe a fun trip you all plan together.
Hey, girl, we know summer can be hard and confidence doesn’t come easy for everyone. So, no matter where you are on your confidence and self-love journey, we encourage you to embrace all of it. You should not have to hold yourself back from things you want to do this summer because you’re not where you think you should be with your confidence. Getting out there and living your best life is a part of the journey. So, seize the day!