Embracing body positivity is crucial for fostering self-acceptance, self-love and well-being. As the summer season approaches, there’s often an increased focus on body image and achieving the “perfect” summer body. However, it’s important to shift your perspective and prioritize a healthy body image instead.
Let’s explore empowering ways to promote a healthy body image during the summer and celebrate the uniqueness of your own body.
Emphasize Self-Care over Appearance
Instead of focusing on your physical appearance, emphasize self-care and overall well-being. Summer is a time to get outdoors, be more active and social, and soak up vitamin D, things that all bodies can enjoy.
Engage in activities that make you feel good, such as regular exercise, eating nourishing foods, getting enough rest and engaging in stress-reducing activities. Remind yourself that taking care of your body is about feeling good from the inside out, rather than conforming to societal beauty standards.
Challenge Beauty Ideals to Embrace Body Positivity
When you see beauty ideals perpetuated by the media and society, challenge them. Remind yourself that beauty comes in diverse shapes, sizes and colors. Read stories and look at images that celebrate diversity and highlight the beauty of all body types. You’ll also feel better when you appreciate the unique features of others and recognize that true beauty extends beyond physical appearance.
Wear What Makes You Feel Confident
Summer often involves wearing more revealing clothing, such as swimsuits or shorts. Encourage yourself to wear outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable, regardless of societal beauty standards. Confidence radiates from within and is not solely dependent on physical appearance.
Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
When you use social media, view body-positive influencers, activists, and accounts that promote self-love and body acceptance. This way, you’ll be connected to more content like this. Unfollow accounts that promote unhealthy beauty standards or trigger negative body comparisons. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can help reshape your perception of beauty.
Engage in Activities that Bring Joy
Summer offers various activities, such as spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, participating in sports and connecting with loved ones. Shifting the focus on experiences and personal growth can foster a healthy body image. Also, create a supportive community that celebrates body image, self-acceptance and self-love.
Practice Mindful Self-Talk
Be aware of your internal dialogue and challenging negative thoughts. Remind yourself of your worth, focusing on your strengths, accomplishments, and the qualities that make you unique. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations, and practice self-compassion. Here are some suggestions for body positive affirmations.
Eating Disorder Treatment in Agoura Hills, CA
Promoting a healthy body image during the summer is an empowering endeavor. By emphasizing self-care, challenging beauty ideals, and surrounding yourself with positive influences, you can better embrace your body and celebrate your uniqueness.
Awakenings Treatment Center is a holistic healing center that offers treatment services to those struggling with eating disorders, poor body image, mental health disorders and substance use disorders. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized services for disordered eating behaviors.
