Body positivity in the summer

Body positivity in the summer can be very difficult for a lot of people, myself included. This could be for any number of reasons, such as stretch marks, tummy rolls, scars, acne, body hair and anything in between. The reality is everyone struggles with at least one of these things at least once. I personally struggle with all of the above! Because of that, I get super anxious going outside in the summer with any skin showing (even though I have to because, well, it’s hot!). But there are ways to overcome this. 

1. Surround yourself with positivity and positive people. Anyone who tells you that you should ‘cover up’ or be in any way ashamed of your body are unlikely to be a true friend. You should never be made to feel ashamed of your body - it can do so many amazing and incredible things, so know your worth. 
2. Wear things that are comfortable, and that fit. For a long time I always thought that I was too fat and misshapen to wear shorts in a certain size. They were always uncomfortable and never really looked ‘right’. As soon as overcame the fear of going one size bigger, I immediately felt better. I became much more comfortable and confident. 
3. Don’t listen to Instagram models. Those pictures of a beautiful, thin, tanned woman at a beach? Most likely edited and posed to make the waist look tiny. What happens in photographs ISN’T real. Those photos are not a representation of what YOU should look like. 
4. Try to keep telling yourself that things like acne, scarring and rolls are completely normal and that there is nothing wrong with you having them. After a while, you won’t even be conscious of those supposed ‘flaws’ (trust me, I know it seems impossible but you can get there). 

And finally, practice self love. Self love is an ongoing process, that some people have to do every single day. Eat that chocolate bar, take a nice bubble bath, binge your favourite show and do what makes YOU feel good. 

There are many more articles about body image from our amazing writers here and I highly recommend checking them out!                                                         https://teenagerswithexperience.weebly.com/body-image-articles.html      

​Kaitlyn