As summer approaches, so too does the societal pressure to attain the elusive "summer body." This term is often fueled by public figures, social media influencers, and advertisements. Its underlying message is that only those with a certain appearance can truly enjoy summer. The quest for a “summer body” can lead to stress, body dissatisfaction, unhealthy eating habits, and other maladaptive behaviors. Through this article, we will explore the societal pressures around achieving a "summer body" and how we can push back against these pressures and embrace body positivity.
Understanding the Pressure
The Role of Media
The media plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of the ideal body. Magazines, TV shows, and advertisements often depict a narrow version of beauty, typically characterized by slim, fit, toned bodies with perfect skin and no body hair. Images in both traditional media and modern social media are often enhanced by filters, lighting, and photo editing, creating an unrealistic standard that many people in real life may never achieve. These portrayals can make many people feel inadequate and even ashamed of their bodies if they do not fit into this mold. The emphasis on physical appearance over health and well-being creates unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others, perpetuating body shaming.
Advertisements
Advertisements can create and amplify insecurities by promoting unnecessary products that make us question our natural bodies. For instance, enhanced body hair removal products convey the message that one looks better without body hair so people should shave, especially for women. Similarly, products for vaginal odor removal, fake eyelashes, and gym memberships imply that our natural state is insufficient. These advertisements push the idea that we need to fix or improve ourselves to meet a fabricated standard of beauty. This relentless pressure can create a sense of inadequacy and make us feel that we need to change our appearance to be accepted or attractive, inducing anxiety and self-doubt.
Social Interactions
Comments from friends, family, or even strangers about one's body can reinforce these pressures, as their perceptions of appearance are also shaped by the media and society. Statements like "You look great, have you lost weight?" or "You might look better without your acne" may seem harmless but can perpetuate the notion that one's worth is tied to their appearance. Additionally, social interactions often involve comparisons, whether intentional or not. Topics about food and recent body changes can create an environment where you feel the need to compare yourself to others. Wearing revealing clothing at beach outings or gym visits can also heighten body awareness, making one feel vulnerable and self-conscious, especially if they're worried about how others will perceive them. This makes social events stressful rather than enjoyable.
Tips for Resisting the Pressure
Before we discuss strategies to resist summer body pressure, let's take a moment to understand what a "summer body" actually is and what it means. If a "summer body" implies that to be able to enjoy summer or to be seen as attractive, bodies need to look a certain way, then what does an attractive body look like? What should the certain way be? Does that mean more abs and muscles? Toned skin? Lighter skin? No body hair? Or more body hair? As you can see, the societal standards of “summer body” can vary widely across cultures and individuals, which is a social construct that often excludes the natural diversity of human bodies. It is important to keep this mindset as it forms the foundation of body positivity.
Curate Your Social Media Feed
One way to fight this pressure is by curating your social media feed. Follow accounts that promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and a diverse range of bodies. Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. You can even delete certain social media that bring you stress to save some logistics and be peaceful. Creating a supportive online space can make a big difference.
View Your Body
This exercise is adapted from the exercise "What do you see that you like?" by Emily Nagoski in her book “Come as You Are.” It aims to help you view your body with compassion and kindness instead of self-judgment. Here’s how to do it:
- Look at your naked body in a full-length mirror if possible.
- Verbalize or write down everything you see that you like about yourself.
- Practice this exercise every day for a week.
During this exercise, you might notice negative comments about body parts you've been told are bad, wrong, or disgusting. This is very normal and common. Let these thoughts pass by without getting hooked on them. Set them aside and return your focus to what you like about your body. This practice can help you build a more positive and accepting view of yourself.
This is so beautiful
This exercise is also adapted from an exercise in Emily Nagoski’s book “Come as You Are.” In this exercise, you need to look at other people's bodies and tell yourself, "This is so beautiful." You are encouraged to practice this with people on the street, on TV, or on social media. You can also find diverse body shapes on the YouTube channel "StyleLikeU" and Jes Baker's list of Instagram accounts. You can notice both people who have similar body shapes to yours and those who look different. While doing this exercise, you might have positive or negative reactions to different appearances. Just observe these reactions, and say to yourself, "This is so beautiful." This practice can help you appreciate different body types.
Body Embracement Mindfulness
Incorporating body embracement mindfulness into your daily routine can also be helpful. This involves consciously acknowledging and appreciating your body for what it does, rather than how it looks. Mindfulness exercises, such as body scan meditations, can help you reconnect with your body in a positive and affirming way. This practice fosters a deeper sense of gratitude and acceptance, sending kindness and gratitude to your body, and helping to counteract negative body image thoughts. Here are a few recommended exercises:
Body Scan Meditation
Loving-Kindness Body Scan Meditation: https://mindfulnessexercises.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/brantley_loving-kindness-body-scan.pdf?_ga=2.32191294.1079021815.1546914213-1876994156.1546404699
Guided Imagery & Mindfulness Exercise: Body Image: https://www.uhcl.edu/cmhc/resources/documents/visualization-files/txt-guided-img-body-image.pdf
Embracing Your Body
Beauty, hotness, or sexiness shouldn't be defined by conforming to an idealized fantasy image. Your body is already beautiful, hot, and sexy just as it is. Our bodies shouldn't be treated as products or projects to be altered. The truth is, you can enjoy summer, or any season, regardless of your shape or size. However, you may still have the desire to fit into the mainstream social norm of looking "hot" in summer, even though you are aware and do not want to feel body shame. It is completely normal and valid to find it challenging to live fully aligned with the body positivity values you want to hold, and THAT IS OKAY. It may take time to fully internalize and practice these values. The important thing is to be patient with yourself and continue striving towards self-acceptance. All your feelings, thoughts, and values are important to you, even if they sometimes conflict with each other. Acknowledging and understanding these internal conflicts is a crucial step towards embracing your true self.