Staying Body Positive When the Sun is Shining

In the warmer weather, people typically shed layers of clothes and reveal more skin, wearing skimpy shorts, vest tops and sandals. For many of us though, the thought of baring flesh and exposing limbs can automatically induce a bout of anxiety.

The pressure to have achieved a perfect 'summer body' seems to be pressing from all angles. Instagram is full of pictures of beach-honed bodies and eating plans promising quick results. Conversations at the water cooler from well-meaning friends increasingly focus on holidays, weddings and summer parties. You might feel that the only way you can cope with this impending pressure is to opt for a dietary overhaul or liquid shakes for several weeks. However, before, you venture down this potentially damaging journey towards your poor body and eating habits, stop and take a pause.

Here are five survival tips for feeling body confident now:

1. Confidence is key

Showing confidence, standing tall and smiling all count hugely in how you come across to others. Body image research shows that when we evaluate someone else's attractiveness, these factors are infinitely more important than looks alone. If you think about people in your own life, I am sure you will find this to be true.

So seize the moment today, stand tall, smile and radiate self-assurance. Notice how others respond to you when you do this. You might be pleasantly surprised.

2. Comparison - the joy thief

When you compare yourself with others, you are looking for evidence to feel superior or inferior to them. Superiority may bring fleeting self-esteem boosts, however, this is not a sustainable way to feel good and you will require a constant supply of reassurance to maintain it.

Conversely, when you feel inferior, you have placed others on pedestals, often projecting assumed perfection onto them, judging people purely by their outer presentation. Naturally, you will then find the evidence to berate yourself.

If we look for it, we will always find someone younger, prettier, more toned or beautiful to judge ourselves against. Instead, focus on your own strengths and positive qualities, whilst putting the blinkers on to comparisons.

3. Banish negative body bashing behaviours

If I wanted to write a prescription to inflict poor body image on someone it would involve all the following:

• scrutinising body parts you dislike in the mirror daily
• obsessive weighing
• scouring Instagram for people you consider to be better looking than you
• comparing your body size to other people on the street and talking unkindly to yourself using unfavourable names