How To Be Kinder To Your Body This Summer

It's always crucial to physically and mentally take care of yourself. From using sunscreen in the most important places to taking a much-needed mental health day, you should never forget to be kind to your mind and body. But unfortunately, it can feel like a challenge to love ourselves, and the body image issue is a real problem. According to the National Organization for Women, "50% of teens are 'self-conscious' about their bodies." But that's not all. NOW adds that "40% to 60% of elementary school girls are concerned about their weight or about becoming 'too fat,'" and "studies at Stanford University and the University of Massachusetts found that 70% of college women say they feel worse about their own looks after reading women's magazines."

The fact that girls who aren't even old enough to drive are worried about their weight makes it clear that body image issues have become dangerous in our society, and summer is one of the worst times for these feelings. Movies, TV shows, and magazines frequently talk about perfect "summer bodies," which can make people feel pressured to look differently than they typically would simply because of this warm season (via Verywell Health). However, you shouldn't let that get to you; you should love yourself all year, including summertime.

If you struggle to be kind to your body during summer, Nutritious Eats offers some suggestions for how to feel better. For instance, if you believe that you need some time to relax, trust your instincts and spend time alone doing something calming, such as reading. Plus, make sure to prioritize getting a healthy amount of sleep at night and try to stay active when possible. However, it's important to remember that not exercising or not getting enough sleep doesn't make you a failure, and your self-worth doesn't change because of that. Loving yourself in the summer is about understanding the ebbs and flows of your day-to-day life and making peace with it.

Additionally, you shouldn't think negatively about anyone's body, whether that body is yours or someone else's, per MindBodyGreen. Plus, you should avoid spending too much time on social media. However, if you're going to be online, you should try following body-positive accounts rather than people who make you feel insecure about how you look. If following all of these tips still doesn't help you feel ready to be nicer to yourself, you should consider talking to someone about how you feel. There's no shame in asking for help. Therapy is a great way to learn more about yourself, and therapists, family members, and close friends can all help you feel as beautiful as you are.