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Facing summer when you feel insecure with body image

Stop comparing yourself to others
May 29, 2018

As we prepare for the approaching summer, many of us are getting excited about the upcoming beach days, hanging by the pool, eating ice cream, wearing our favorite summer shorts and enjoying some sunshine. While the idea of summer may sound exciting, it can also cause anxiety for many people, specifically those who struggle with an eating disorder or bad body image. Here are a few ways to try and manage the summer months when feeling anxious about your body image.

Stop comparing yourself to others. I know the idea of this can be tricky, but the reality is, comparing yourself to others can make you feel drained and insecure. Your body is unique, and comparing it to another person’s will only exacerbate your insecurities. Someone else’s body has no value in your life. It’s a distraction, and it serves no purpose. Getting stuck in the “I feel fat,” or “This bathing suit looks so much better on that person,” mind-set will only bring you down. Instead of comparing your body to someone else’s, try wearing clothes that make you feel most comfortable.

Don’t engage in bathing suit drama. You don’t need to “get ready” to wear a bathing suit. A bathing suit is either something you’ll wear or something you’ll choose not to wear. You don’t need to restrict, cut out foods, or crash diet in order to wear your suit to the pool or the beach. Different styles are going to feel best for different people. Feeling uncomfortable or insecure in a bathing suit is something that many people deal with, but it is important to wear something that makes you feel as comfortable you can, and go with it.

Maintain some daily structure. The summer schedule may differ from your normal routine. It’s important to try and maintain structure throughout your day as much as possible. Eating at regular meal times, talking to your boss about regular scheduled eating breaks, and finding ways to hold yourself accountable will all benefit you in making sure you’re eating properly this summer.

Prepare for summer barbecues. For someone with an eating disorder or poor body image, summer barbecues and picnics can be anxiety producing. To help reduce anxiety around these events, it may help to let someone know you’re nervous. Having a support system or a buddy can help you feel like you have a safe space to share your feelings about your anxiety. Stand in the food line with another person, make sure you take a variety of food on your plate, and sit down while you’re eating. These strategies may all help make unstructured eating a bit more manageable.

 

Mel Strunk, LCSW, currently practices individual and family therapy at 19606 Coastal Highway, Suite 202, Rehoboth Beach. She specializes in treating eating disorders, anxiety and depression, and life transitions. She works with many students who are home on summer break from college. 

For more information, call 610-772-0365 or go to www.melstrunktherapy.com.

 

 

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