The Hidden Struggles of Warmer Weather: Navigating Summer Body Pressure and Finding Self-Acceptance

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the grass is getting greener. Summer is approaching fast, and while many are excited to leave the long, dark winter months behind, others may begin to feel those anxious and dreadful thoughts about attaining that “summer body”. As we shed those winter layers, we begin to bring out the tank tops and shorts. For some who are struggling with body image concerns, this time of the year may bring some worried and distressed feelings. These feelings can affect humans of all ages, genders, races, and body shapes. This blog will spread awareness of what body image concerns can look and feel like as the weather gets warmer and how to support you or a loved one who may be struggling. 

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Why Warmer Weather can be Triggering:

Warmer Weather can be triggering for those who struggle with Body Image concerns for the following reasons, but not limited to:

1. Increased Advertisement for Diet Culture

Many advertisements as the weather gets warm target topics like “weight loss” and “summer body” which can be linked to negative connotations surrounding body image and inherently produce more fatphobic rhetoric.

According to Forbes (2024), A study found various factors all play a role in the pressure to get “summer body ready”, like societal expectations to look a certain way, social media, receiving negative comments about your body, and pressure from advertisements.

2. Summer Clothing Styles and More Skin Exposure

Typically, with the warmer weather, comes less clothing worn on the body. The more skin exposure and less body coverage, the more our body can be perceived by others. People may find this aspect of warmer weather a trigger to their body image issues. 

3. Negative Self Talk and Judgment

As people become influenced by advertisements and social media, we often become more critical of our bodies as summer is right around the corner. As this critical voice becomes the main voice in our head, we begin to fear others may be thinking the same about us. 

According to Forbes (2024), a study in the U.S. found that 61% of participants claim they fear judgment from others which results in pressure to get in shape for the summer.  

Additionally, Forbes (2024) reported that participants who were unhappy with their appearance were more likely to feel pressured to get “summer body ready”.

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Signs Someone Might be Struggling:

It may be helpful to be aware of some signs someone may be struggling with body image concerns as the warmer weather approaches. Some signs may include but are not limited to:

• Skipping Meals: Someone struggling with body image concerns may choose to skip meals and not fuel their body with food in order to fulfill a certain body appearance.
• Excessive Exercise: While body movement is great for our mental health, we want to make sure there is a balance between movement and rest. Too much exercise can be harmful.
• More Negative Self Talk: We may hear those struggling with body image say many negative comments about their appearance or identity.
• Hyperfocused on their Weight or Food Consumption: When body image concerns arise, they can bring up disordered eating behaviors which include things like becoming hyperfocused on weight or food consumption.
• Struggling to be Present in the Moment: When struggling with mental health concerns, it is often hard to stay present in the moment.
• Constantly Comparing Themselves: Someone who is struggling with body image, may be more susceptible to comparing themselves to others. Especially in the summer, there is more opportunity to do “body checking” (i.e. constantly looking at and criticizing the size of your arms or legs). 

Ways to Cope When Struggling with Body Image:

There are several ways to combat body image concerns if you or a loved one are struggling. Some avenues include:

Curating a Positive Social Media Feed 

• Follow influencers and companies who promote healthy habits, self acceptance, and body diversity. Some of my personal favorite influencers include:
  
  • Mik Zazon (Instagram and Tiktok: @ mikzazon)
  • Alok Vaid-Menon (Instagram and Tiktok: @ alokvmenon)
  • Megan Jayne Crabbe (Instagram: @ meganjaynecrabbe, Tiktok: @ meganjcrabbe)

Increasing Self Compassion

• Choose kindness and forgiveness with yourself if you are struggling with body image. You are not alone.

Challenging Negative Thoughts

• When you say one negative comment about yourself, challenge yourself to say two positive things about yourself. Try to remind yourself that every body is a summer body and there is no such thing as a “perfect” summer body. 

Spice up your Wardrobe

• Wear what makes you feel confident and find some new pieces that make you feel good in your body!

Prioritize Fun Activities (Not Visual Looks)

• Try to remember that summer has so many fun activities you can enjoy no matter what your body looks like. Encourage yourself to practice gratitude to your body for allowing it to complete these activities.

Spend Time Outside

• Being in nature allows us to feel grounded and calm. If possible, go for a walk, sit on a park bench, or explore a new outside area to encourage your mind to be free from spiraling thoughts. 

Small Exposures at a Time

• Encourage exploration and curiosity over judgment when it comes to your body. If you feel uncomfortable in a certain clothing item, but want to wear it in public, try wearing it around your house first and experience what it feels like to be in the clothing in a safe environment. Then you can gradually begin to wear that clothing piece in more public places as you become more confident.

Seek Professional Help

• If you or a loved one are struggling, it is okay to ask for help. Seeking out professional help can be a good way to build connection and dive deeper into where these issues stem from and how to process them.

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Conclusion: 

In conclusion, it's essential to remember that ALL bodies are summer body ready. No matter the shape or size, each body is worthy of enjoying the sunshine and the fun that summer brings. Embrace self-compassion by being gentle with yourself. When struggles arise, forgive yourself, and remember that growth takes time. Continue to hold yourself accountable for your well-being and always prioritize taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional needs. Keep in mind that clothes are meant to fit you, you are not made to fit into clothes. Wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and happy. This summer, let’s focus on the activities that bring us joy and the people who love us for who we truly are. When we practice kindness to ourselves and reject harmful societal pressures, we can truly embrace the warmth of the season without the burden of comparison.

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Resources:

• Summertime Struggles: Eating Disorders, Body Image, Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Here's Why Springtime Isn't Always Welcomed by Some People
• 51% Of Gen Z Feel Pressure To Get In Shape For Vacations

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