The body positivity movement has brought us a long way toward loving ourselves and our shape. Today, media has changed to include a wider range of body types and we’re getting encouragement to celebrate the bodies we are born with. But then you get invited to a beach day or a pool party. And you might feel less than great about donning that swimsuit in front of your peers. Summer’s a peak time to have any body image issues you’re dealing with triggered.

And you’re not alone. Most of us don’t like the way we look in one way or another. But how can we know this while also not allowing it to prevent us from having our summer fun? 

We’ve got a few tips to help you manage body image issues — and hopefully, have a more confident summer because of it.

#1: Call out your internal dialogue

Start to pay attention to the thoughts surrounding the way you look. Do you compare yourself to others? Do you criticize yourself when you look in a mirror?

Listen to that inner dialogue. What story do you tell yourself? Or better — what story does the inner critic tell you that you start to believe? It might even be helpful to write down what you say to yourself.

Why? Because you might be shocked how mean it is. If you’re saying stuff you would never say to a friend, it’s time to call yourself out. Being aware of those critical thoughts is the first step toward stopping them. 

Step two is reframing your thinking. If you start thinking “My thighs are —” or “My stomach looks —,” pause there. Swap out the negative thought with an affirmation. “My thighs are strong.” “My stomach looks like Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus.”

#2: Be choosy with your company

Similarly, be intentional about the people you surround yourself with. If you have a friend who’s constantly criticizing themself, it can normalize picking yourself apart, too. And if you have a friend who’s criticizing you, that person definitely doesn’t need a loud voice in your life. 

Seek out friends who are encouraging and uplifting. And when they pay you a compliment, don’t just brush it off. Let yourself sit with that praise so you can internalize it. 

#3: Make a better future

Thanks in large part to the body positivity movement, the kids growing up today will hopefully have a healthier body image than those of us who grew up when stick figures  were body goals. But we’ve still got a way to go. 

Remind yourself that by being out there, being proud of your body because of all of the amazing things it does for you, you’re part of positive change. You’re showing people that everyone at every size deserves to live the life they want. 

These are just a few tips to get you started. The National Eating Disorders Association has some further suggestions that we definitely recommend. 

You don’t have to stop at online resources, either. Talking with a therapist can help you reframe your thinking and learn tools to fight body image issues. To get an appointment with someone, contact us at Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center in Ventura or the West Valley Counseling Center in Tarzana.