With summer coming up, many girls and even guys are worried about getting the “perfect” body. Everyone knows it’s healthy to practice self love, but that’s easier said than done especially in a season where swimsuits expose more skin than usual. However, summer should be a time that’s free of stress and agonizing over that. 

I can’t count how many times in the past couple of months I’ve heard girls talk about how they’re starting new diets and cleanses to lose weight. I understand wanting to be healthy and tone up, but not by limiting calories or overworking myself through exercise. It’s no wonder why people feel like they need to look perfect in a swimsuit, with advertisements for diet products and shallow magazines pitting celebrities against each other over who “looked better.”

Even those with high self esteem can feel despondent in these few months. For me, I have been loving myself more and I’m proud of that, but being reminded I’ll have to wear a swimsuit at the beach can dampen my mood. I had an unexpected medical condition emerge last month and one of the symptoms was a swollen stomach. Even after treatment my stomach had not yet returned to normal. Instead of focusing on getting healthy again, I was preoccupied with feelings of embarrassment because everywhere I go it seems like there’s something related to a slim body.

Instead of looking up tips for losing weight and watching videos on how to bulk up, use the summer to find a new healthy activity like yoga. Take the time to enjoy each second and not waste summer by succumbing to unhealthy thoughts. Make sure you are nurturing yourself and take time to ensure you’re happy.

While it’s good to want to be healthy, don’t do it for the sole purpose of wanting to lose weight. As cliche as it is beauty is so much more than what’s on the outside. Summer is a time for laying poolside, barbeques and enjoying company of friends and family, not comparing or degrading yourself for not looking how society thinks you should.

Sincerely,

Sydney