Tips to Decrease Body Image Distress as the Weather Gets Warmer

Decreasing body image distress during the summer can be challenging, but adopting a body neutral perspective can be highly beneficial. Here are some tips:

Focus on Function, Not Appearance: Shift your focus from how your body looks to what it can do. Celebrate your body's abilities, like swimming, hiking, reading, or relazing

Wear Comfortable Clothes: Choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident rather than conforming to trends or societal expectations. Your body deserves to have clothes that fit it in the here and now. 

Curate Your Media Intake: Limit exposure to media that promotes unrealistic body standards. Follow body-neutral and body-positive accounts that encourage self-acceptance and diversity. Follow people who have bodies that look like your own body. 

Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness exercises to stay present and decrease judgements. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can be helpful

Set Boundaries: Politely set boundaries with friends and family if they make comments about your body or appearance. Let them know you prefer to focus on more meaningful conversations. 

Engage in Enjoyable Activities: Participate in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Engaging in hobbies and social events can shift your focus away from body image concerns to the present moment. 

Self-Compassion: Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Acknowledge that everyone has body image struggles and that it's okay to have off days.

Challenge Negative Thoughts:  When negative thoughts about your body arise, be mindful of them. Remind yourself that you do not want to talk to yourself like that anymore. 

Build a Supportive Community: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who respect and appreciate you for who you are, not just how you look.

Seek Professional Support: If body image distress becomes overwhelming, consider talking to a therapist who specializes in body neutrality. They can provide tailored strategies and support.

Remember, summer is a time to enjoy and make memories, not to be weighed down by body image concerns. Embracing a body neutral approach can help you appreciate the season more fully.