The Myth of the Perfect Body— Exploring societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards
Every body is a beach body. This is a motto that I live by. It is so easy to get lost in our own minds and become self conscious, unconsciously comparing ourselves to past versions of ourselves. But at the end of the day, when we look in the mirror, we are our own worst critics. Holding ourselves up to an unachievable standard and expecting to look like edited photos of celebrities who are also struggling to meet the unattainable.
Navigating Summer Insecurities
As the temperature rises and summer approaches, so does the pressure to look a certain way. Let’s delve into the common fears and anxieties surrounding body image during the warmer months, and address these stigmas head on.
As the heat of summer approaches and lake days are on the horizon, for a lot of us this would equal the best time of the year. But for others, this is our worst nightmare come true. We have trouble feeling comfortable in our skin, and the heat means having to show off more of it. As the summer months approach, I write this to remind you that rolls are normal, cellulite is normal, acne and body hair are normal. We are so much more than just our physical appearance. You and I deserve to enjoy the beach and experience summer without hiding away, fostering body positivity and self acceptance.
When the serene beauty of summer
is drowned out by your own voice
remind yourself that your beauty came from your mother
you deserve to be happy; taking those Polaroid
memories; laughing, enjoying your time
not held back by enemies of your own mind.
Have a fun drink garnished with lime
and make the most of the moment; we can’t rewind.
-C.M Dillard
What is the Spotlight Effect?
I find that I suffer from a psychological phenomenon called the spotlight effect. As summer rolls around, the nagging voice in my head gets amplified. All of me is on display for the world to see. Under a spotlight if you will, illuminating all of my deepest insecurities. I have to remind myself of a silly little fact, that strangers just don’t care that much about me. Think about it. When you’re at the beach are you staring and analyzing someone else? The answer I will guess, is probably no. You are enjoying your solitude reading a book, or playing frisbee with your friends, or splashing in the water. Don’t let your mind trap you from enjoying the summer heat, and making memories with your friends.
4 Practical Tips for Self Acceptance
Here are some helpful ways to combat the negative self-talk, and foster a positive mindset, that have worked for me and may help you in the months coming up.
1. Journal out your thoughts: Writing and rereading my words helps me face my thoughts head on and have a safe place to express them. You can try out the Worry Box on the Quabble app for this!
2. Consciously rephrase the language you use towards yourself: This is a super helpful skill given to me by my therapist. I auto correct myself. When I go to say something negative about myself, I switch out the words for something else until it sticks. Fake it until you make it.
3. Make sure you have clothes you love and feel comfortable in: it is okay to change sizes! Use it as an excuse to go on a shopping spree, and whatever your style is, flaunt it.
4. Remind yourself you deserve to enjoy life and you are already beautiful as you are: When you look back on photos of yourself you won't care what you looked like, but care more about the summer memories you're making. And you deserve to enjoy each and every single one of them.
As we step into the warmth of summer, let's embrace the mantra that every body is a beach body. It's time to shed the weight of unrealistic expectations and embrace ourselves exactly as we are. By fostering a culture of body positivity and self-acceptance, we pave the way for a summer filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories. Remember, you are more than just your physical appearance. So let's soak up the sun, make waves, and revel in the beauty of being unapologetically ourselves.
Reference: Raypole, C. (2020, July 30). Spotlight effect: Definition, examples, and experiments. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/spotlight-effect#dealing-with-it
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