“Summer Body”
by Journey to Health Program Director, Becky Anderson
Is your “summer body” ready?
A healthy “summer body” starts in your mind: focus on feeling strong, energized, and confident in the body you have, instead of chasing a last‑minute, “perfect” look.
Rethink the “summer body” idea
The traditional summer body message is often unrealistic and rooted in diet culture, which fuels shame and anxiety. A more helpful mindset is: “All bodies are summer bodies; my goal is to care for mine well and enjoy the season.”
Focus on health, not size
Shift your goal from “I need to look a certain way” to “I want to feel strong, mobile, and well-rested.” Center simple habits like balanced meals, enjoyable movement, and consistent sleep, which support both mental and physical health long term.
Example: Instead of crash dieting, you might decide to walk most evenings, add a colorful vegetable to each meal, and set a bedtime that gives you enough sleep.
Appreciate what your body can do
Practice seeing your body as an instrument, not an ornament. Notice and appreciate how your body lets you play with kids, swim, garden, work, travel, or dance—even if it doesn’t match a social‑media ideal.
You can build this by writing down one thing each day you’re thankful your body can do, such as “carry groceries,” “walk in the park,” or “hug my partner.”
Gently challenge negative thoughts
Summer often increases body image stress, so expect some tough thoughts instead of seeing them as personal failure. When a harsh thought pops up (“I can’t wear shorts”), pause and reframe it into something more neutral or kind (“Comfort matters more than looking perfect,” “My legs help me move through my day”).
Tools that help: a brief body‑image journal, sticky‑note affirmations on your mirror, or a short daily mindfulness practice to notice thoughts without judgment.
Curate your environment for confidence
The media you consume and the clothes you wear shape how you feel in your skin. Unfollow accounts that trigger comparison, and fill your feed with diverse, body‑positive voices instead.
Choose comfortable, well‑fitting summer clothes and swimsuits that let you move and breathe easily, even if they’re not the “trendiest” option. Often, feeling physically comfortable does more for confidence than any specific size or cut.
Enjoy the season in your current body
Anchor your summer around experiences—laughter at a cookout, the feeling of water on your skin, warm sand under your feet—instead of constant self‑monitoring. Mindfully tuning into the sensations of a summer day can pull your attention away from how you look and back to how life feels.
If you notice you’re skipping events because of body worries, maybe we can talk to someone about body image concerns. You. Are. Beautiful!
