Girl, as the summer sun shines brighter, many of us feel the pressure to showcase our “summer bodies.” For young women, this season can be a mixed bag of excitement and anxiety. Why? Because the media and societal standards (societal standards are basically, what the world we live in tells us we should be) often dictate what we should look like, making it hard to embrace our natural beauty and that can be so hard, when we have so many editing apps and trolls online, social media isn’t real life baby girl. But let’s take a moment to remind ourselves that the journey to self-love and body positivity is a personal and ongoing process and isn’t always easy, often being a trigger to many.
The Summer Trigger: Body Image and the Sun 🌞
The hot weather brings opportunities for outdoor fun, chilling out on a field, BBQ’s, beach trips, and wearing lighter/shorter clothing. All those insta & TikTok outfit of the day videos showcasing the gorg summer clothes! However, with all of this going on & the sun… it can also magnify insecurities.. MASSIVELY!! Seeing others in swimsuits or comparing ourselves to airbrushed images can trigger negative thoughts about our bodies. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, body dysmorphia, and even self-harm and if you do have self-harm scars, the trigger can be ‘I don’t want to wear short sleeve tops’ or shorts incase someone sees.. baby girl, the sun is good for your scars! But, I get it!
It’s crucial to acknowledge these feelings without letting them define us. Remember, you are not alone. Many young women face similar struggles, and it’s okay to seek support and talk about your experiences. Join our subscribing list and drop me a message, please! If you need some advice or just somebody to offload too. I’ve currently put soo much weight on, and I feel rubbish about it but I am working through it and embracing where I am at right now. Our bodies get us through every day life queen, always remember that.
Let’s talk Body Dysmorphia and Mental Health:
Body dysmorphia is a real and challenging condition where one becomes obsessively concerned with perceived flaws in their appearance. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and obsessively looking at your weight and ‘not seeing what other people see’. The summer months, with more skin exposure, can enhance these feelings. I will let you in on a secret, that few know. Which, I’m now telling the world about, in typical Bronte style… I have always yoyo’d with my weight and that has resulted in me developing body dysmorphia, which I’ve been in denial about for years! I would often still find myself shopping for bigger sizes and my mind has never quite caught up with my weight loss… often causing my to comfort eat again. YOU. ARE. NOT. ALONE.
How do we embrace our Body Positivity?
Body positivity is about accepting and loving your body as it is, and recognizing that beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes. Here are some steps to help you embrace body positivity this summer:
1. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. When negative thoughts arise, try your hardest queen to balance them with positive affirmations about your worth and beauty. Think of just 1 thing that you like about yourself or that somebody would say they like about you. If you can’t think, think is something you liked about yourself as a child.
2. Surround Yourself with Positivity: Follow body-positive influencers if you are on social media instead of ‘Picture perfect’ influencers and join communities that celebrate diverse bodies and cultures! Fill your social media feeds with messages that uplift and inspire you. For example: following us on TikTok @thegirlscircleuk
3. Focus on What Your Body Can Do: Instead of fixating on appearance, appreciate the amazing things your body does for you every day. Celebrate your strength, your struggles that you have/are overcoming, and your abilities. I sat in the bath this evening and actually reflected on all I have overcome and made a list of all the sh*t things and how I have overcome it.
4. Dress for Yourself: Wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether it’s a bikini, a sundress, or shorts, choose outfits that make you happy!!
Looking ahead to the days of Summer…
Despite the challenges, the summer season also brings countless opportunities for joy and growth. Here are some positives that the hot weather can bring:
– Outdoor Activities: Doing things like swimming, hiking, dancing or yoga in the park. These not only boost physical health but are sooo good for your mental well-being. I love just going and sitting in mature and watching the sunset or the pretty skies whilst listening to music. 10/10 I would recommend!
– Vitamin D: Girl, let me tell you.. sunshine increases your vitamin D levels, which can improve mood and energy. That’s why, when colder months arrive, we can feel so drained and mergh.
– Socialising: Summer is a great time to connect with friends and family, strengthening your support system. Having fun, rekindling those lost connections that were healthy for your soul. Make a couple of mistakes here and there, own it! Have fun, do wholesome things! Do you boo! ❤️
– Mindfulness in Nature: Spending time outdoors can help you feel more grounded and connected to the world around you. THIS!! Is me allll summer.
And babe, remember that you really aren’t alone!!
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Many young women like you, are navigating the same path to self-love and body positivity. Together, we can support and uplift each other, recognizing that every body is beautiful.
Building self-esteem and healing is not an overnight process. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, but every step forward is a step towards a healthier and happier you. Embrace the summer with open arms, knowing that your worth is not determined by your appearance. You are beautiful, strong, and worthy just as you are.
Let the sun be a reminder of the light within you, shining brightly and unapologetically. Here’s to a summer of self-love and positivity!
With love,
The Girls Circle 💕💅🏾
