Tips for Coping with Body Image during the Summer

1. Shift Your Focus to Summer Experiences

Instead of focusing on how you look in a swimsuit, redirect attention to summer activities you love—like swimming, hiking, just being in nature. This shift can help you be more present to make long lasting memories. Loving what your body can do shifts the narrative from appearance to appreciation. 

2. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

Summer often brings heightened self-consciousness. Learn to recognize negative thoughts, name it and gently reframe them with a positive affirmation. 

3. Curate a Body-Positive Social Media Feed

Unfollow diet-culture influencers. Instead, follow accounts celebrating diverse bodies, joyful activities, and body neutrality. 

4.Dress for Comfort 

Choose summer clothes—like breathable linen, flowy dresses and clothing that makes you feel comfortable. 

5. Practice Body Gratitude & Mindfulness

Refocus on what your body does for you every day: breathing, walking, hugging loved ones, swimming. Keep a gratitude journal or take a moment each morning to acknowledge one thing your body allows you to do.

6. Use Thoughtful Boundaries & Scripts

Prepare responses for when diet-talk starts at gatherings such as “I’m not focusing on my weight this summer—I’m focusing on being present.” This helps shift discussions away from appearance and back to experience. 

7. Embrace Joyful Movement—Not Punishing Exercise

Choose activities that feel good—such as dancing, swimming, walking in nature—not workouts meant to burn calories. Let movement be playful.  

8. Take Digital & Social Breaks 

If IG and TikTok increase insecurities, set boundaries—mute, unfollow, or take breaks from social media. Reconnect with hobbies that fill you up and feel recharging.