WORDS: Georgie Thomas
This time of year can be triggering for those who struggle with body image. Whether its having to strip down into your bathers to go to the beach or catching up with people you haven’t seen in ages.
Here are some tips for how to navigate this time and embrace body neutrality and a quiet confidence about yourself.
Tips for body positivity during the holiday season:
- Be kind to yourself: I know we have heard this a gazillion times before, but I need to remind you, nobody is perfect. Try to show yourself the same kindness that you would to your best mate. Your inner critic can be a real mole sometimes but remind yourself that that negative voice is not you.
- Reframe your mindset: Shift your focus from aesthetics to what your body can do. Appreciate its strength, resilience and the joy it brings you as it allows you to go experience life with the people you love the most. Instead of freaking out about how you look, focus on who you are with, how lucky you feel to be spending quality time together and how lucky we are to be living in this life.
- Eat to feel good MOST of the time but DON’T beat yourself up when you indulge especially over the holiday season: This is a week out of a year, it ain’t gonna kill you. Enjoy it, this is what brings people together and you deserve some sweetness in life.
- Move to feel good instead of using exercise to punish yourself: Choose movements that bring you joy, go for some walks down the beach and grab a coffee with a friend, get out in nature and enjoy your time off.
- Wardrobe choices: Find clothing and swimwear that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If it doesn’t feel good or comfortable it will trigger you and we want to remove all triggers.
- Speak positively to yourself: be conscious of your self talk, don’t let the negative voice win. Write out some positive stories you can tell yourself over this summer period that you can repeat to yourself to take over from that negative voice. E.g. I embrace confidence and choose to make the most of this day.
- Limit social media: we know social media can be the devil when it comes to comparison. Use this time to switch off. Unfollow accounts that don’t make you feel good.
- If you’re struggling: understand this moment will pass. Understand it may be because you are tired, stressed or feeling some other negative emotion. Try to figure out the root cause and work on that rather than beating yourself up. Allow yourself some time to fill your cup up and bring your positive voice back in.
- Educate others: if family members or friends make hurtful comments, educate them about the importance of respecting body diversity and the impact of their words. Sometimes, people are unaware of the harm they cause especially when they have grown up with negative beliefs around body image.
- Practice mindfulness: choose a meditation or podcast from Rewritten Mindfulness to help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to respond to them in a healthier, more balanced way.
- Focus on enjoyment: instead of worrying about your appearance, concentrate on enjoying the activities and time spent with loved ones during the summer holidays. LIFE IS TOO SHORT. Engaging in fun activities can boost your self-esteem and take your mind off body image concerns.
- If you need more help: if this is a continuous concern for you, maybe it’s time to do some deeper inner work on this and rewrite your mindset. If so, reach out to be part of my next Rewrite You Course starting in 2024.
Remember that your worth is not determined by your appearance. Embracing confidence during the summer holidays is about recognising your unique beauty and the joy you can experience without the burden of unrealistic body standards. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the season with greater self-assurance and resilience.
Love, Georgie
xoxo
For more information:
