Self Esteem and Body Image During Summer
Summer is often thought of as the season of fun, outdoor activities and time with friends and family. However, for many people, it can come with its own challenges and stressors. Many people experience anxiety surrounding body image in the summertime, whether that’s due to warmer weather and lighter clothing, swimwear season, or other factors. There are a myriad of summer trends and pressures that could lead someone to feel insecure about their bodies, which can have drastic effects on self-perception and self-esteem in general.
It’s no wonder summertime creates body anxiety in all types of people because of the prevalence of the idea of ‘summer bodies’, expectations about the appearance of one’s body, and stigma against bodies that do not fit the mold in the media. These messages can be found all over, from advertisements, to social media, to music and movies. These ideas can cause individuals to fixate on whether their bodies ‘stack up’ to the competition.
Negative feelings toward one’s body are absolutely not just a summer issue, nor are they just a person being shallow. Bad self image can lead people to develop other psychological problems like social anxiety, depression, or disorders related to eating or exercise. Therapy can help people build skills and gain tools to alleviate negative self image, such as positive self talk, acceptance strategies, and relief from negative self-judgments. If you or someone you know is struggling with self esteem and body image this summer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a CPGR therapist for help!
In the meantime, here are some quick tips to build more self-confidence and self-compassion through a more positive body image:
Shift your thinking about what a body ‘should’ be. Whenever you catch yourself thinking about what your body ‘should’ look like, try to reframe these negative thoughts. For example, if you find yourself thinking that certain body parts ‘should’ be smaller, try to refocus your attention to the impressive functions your body is performing at each moment. The specific part of your body that you dislike is often the result of your body performing its functions well.
Focus on body neutrality. Another strategy that uses self-talk is to practice thinking of your body in neutral terms. If a negative thought about your body or looks comes to mind, try reinforcing the idea that your self-worth is not in any way tied to what your body looks like. Regardless of how you look, whether you love the way your body looks or not, you are just as valuable as a person. Combating body negative thoughts with these body neutral thoughts can be an important tool to take away their power.
Be aware of who you surround yourself with. Many people are deeply entrenched in their own body negativity, and that type of thinking tends to spread very easily. Body negativity can be easily disguised by a seemingly well-meaning comment from a family member or friend, and it is important to recognize this so you can set boundaries for the protection of your body image.
Be mindful of social media and the Internet. Now more than ever, any person is able to morph their body and face to fit an ideal standard. This is extremely prevalent on social media apps and websites such as Instagram. Seeing hyper-idealized versions of bodies can distort our self-perceptions and our perceptions of others.
Check out the works of Kristen Neff and Christopher Germer, psychologists who have devoted their careers to understanding and sharing the benefits of “mindful self-compassion.” Mindful self-compassion allows us to recognize that, as humans, we are imperfect and that we can appreciate ourselves despite that imperfection. They have a great, easy-to-read workbook that can support your own growth in mindful self-compassion.
Remember, everyone’s body is unique and valuable, and summer should be a time to enjoy life and have fun, not to be burdened by unrealistic standards. By practicing these tips and reaching out for support if needed, you can navigate the summer months with greater self-confidence and a better body image.
If you or someone you know is struggling with body image issues, consider speaking to a CPGR therapist. They can offer personalized strategies and support to help you build a healthier relationship with your body and yourself. CPGR has providers who specialize in a wide range of mental health concerns, including body image.
Contact CPGR today to learn more about our treatment options for body image issues and/or eating disorders, and how we can support you on your path to wellness!
