As temperatures rise in the summer, we are often placed in situations that aggravate our difficulties with body image. Summer comes with a specific set of stressors around body image that can lead to the development of insecurities or heighten ones that are already present.

It can feel impossible to be confident in your body when we are constantly inundated with messages about the ideal body type and how to achieve that standard.

This can impact your mental health can by heightening anxiety, self-criticism, comparison, or isolation. You may find yourself avoiding certain social situations because the activities involved include wearing a bathing suit or a more revealing outfit. You may know someone who has started starting “eating clean” or begun a new workout routine in pursuit of achieving that “beach body” standard. The search for the ideal summer body can overshadow the enjoyment of activities with friends and family. Emma Reaney, a licensed counselor at Vive who frequently works with body image concerns, says, “Our self-confidence doesn’t have to be tied to our body. Your body is one of the least interesting things about you. People remember how you make them feel, what you say, and how you treat others.”

Here are some questions to consider when evaluating your level of self-criticism towards your body:

• When I look in the mirror what is the first thought that runs through my mind? Is it about something I wish I could change about the way I look?
• Am I hiding how my body looks in baggy clothing or avoiding situations that may reveal how my body looks?
• How much time a day am I spending thinking about how my body looks in a certain position or outfit?

If you are finding that the answer to these questions is not what you would like it to be, take a moment to remember that our bodies are tools that have many functions beyond how we look in a bathing suit.

Emma Reaney frequently works with her clients on challenging this mindset:

“Something I talk to my clients about is noticing what your body does for you. For example, maybe you don’t like the way your legs look but what do your legs do for you? They help you walk, run, dance, etc. It’s okay to not like every part of yourself- we all have our insecurities and it’s important to be kind to ourselves so we’re better able to extend that kindness to others. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, you shouldn’t say it to yourself.”

Remind yourself that all bodies are deserving of love, acceptance, and respect. Your worth is not defined by your body shape or size – your joy and happiness come from within.