Beach Body Pressure: Are You Struggling with Body Image Distress This Summer?
As the temperatures climb and the summer season has us running toward sandy beaches and shimmering waters, a significant number of us experience the dreaded "beach body" pressure. Our social feeds, social circles and social media outlets are drenched in “beach body” talk everywhere we turn.
These conversations and “news reports” intensify our feelings of self-doubt, comparison, and insecurity regarding our bodies. Honestly, just another way for the diet, beauty, and fashion industries (and now big Pharma 🙄) to take our money.
When it seems like everyone around us is unhappy with their appearances, it's hard to know if what we're experiencing is "normal" or actually harmful and has just become common. Are you feeling uneasy about your body and constantly comparing yourself to others? I've been there and I know how hard it can be, especially during the summer months!
I've created this comprehensive checklist to help you better identify if you are struggling with body image distress, because once we're able to name what's happening for us, then we can seek the right support to help us heal. Let's dive into the list, shall we??
40 Signs You Are Struggling with Body Image Distress This Summer
I often compare my body to the bodies of others
I daydream or fantasize about looking differently or "better"
I often wonder what others think about my appearance
My mood improves when I like how I look
My mood worsens when I dislike how I look
I must be "put together" before leaving the house
I spend a lot of time in front of the mirror
I opt out of summer activities that involve wearing a swimsuit
I think about my appearance multiple times a day
I hide my body in photos behind other people or objects
I wear a coverup most of the time (or the whole time) I'm at the beach
I avoid getting in photos as much as possible
I try on several outfits before finally picking one that's “decent”
I increase my exercise routine before and during the summer months
I avoid looking in the mirror as much as possible
I spend a lot of time in front of the mirror
I feel shame and anxiety about my body
I compare how I look to those around me
I compare my body to what it looked like when I was younger
I feel uncomfortable in clothing designed for warm weather
I spend a lot of time thinking about how to improve my looks
I cover up my "flaws" even if it makes me too hot in the heat
I spend a lot of money on products that will alter my appearance
I seek compliments and reassurance about my looks
I cancel plans if I hate how I look that day
I believe my life would be easier if I was more attractive
I experience low self-esteem
I am jealous of women in smaller bodies than mine
I cringe when others bring attention to my appearance
I struggle with anxiety and/or depression
I skip meals or eat less before a vacation or pool day
I feel like I don't measure up to the bodies of other women
I wish I looked like other women or famous models
I can't look at myself in the mirror when I'm naked
I tend to spend more time indoors during the summer
I dread swimsuit shopping
I experience more negative self-talk when I’m in a bathing suit
I pinch or pull at my body and fantasize about it looking different
I crash diet throughout the summer season
I have high expectations of myself - some would say unrealistically high
If you resonated with a few or even many of these signs, know that you are far from alone.
Body image distress affects individuals of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. And when we're inundated with messages that our bodies aren't good enough, no wonder we struggle to show up as ourselves!
If you feel like you can't enjoy or experience the season of summer because you don't have what society tells you is the "ideal" beach body, I'm here to tell you that you not only already have a beach body, but a summer body and a bikini body, too!
And because you exist on this planet, you have earned the right to enjoy the season of summer exactly as you are in the body you have today.
So, What’s Next?
You can head to the Intuitively You podcast with Jenn Baswick, RD, and listen to episode 039. “Cultivating a Positive Body Image for Summer and Beyond with Jess Fry”
And then join us inside The EmBODY Confidence Collective!
Led by body image coach Jess Fry, LPC, ADHD-CCSP, CSTS, this virtual space offers a supportive community where you can improve body image at your own pace. You'll gain access to a wealth of resources, including monthly live webinars with Jess and other experts, as well as monthly group coaching calls to work towards your personal goals alongside like-minded individuals.
We can’t wait to see you inside the Collective! ✨
