Summer should be a time for relaxation, adventure and enjoyment. However, the pressure to look perfect can overshadow the fun. It’s time to shift the focus from appearance to experience. Here’s a guide to help you embrace the season and make the most of your body-positive summer without worrying about how you look.
1. Celebrate Your Body
Your body is unique and amazing just the way it is. Celebrate its abilities and strengths instead of focusing on perceived flaws. Whether you’re swimming, hiking or simply soaking up the sun, appreciate what your body can do. Adopting a mindset of gratitude for your body’s capabilities can transform how you see yourself and enhance your summer experience.
2. Follow Positive Influences
Fill your social media feeds with body-positive influencers and accounts. Unfollow those that make you feel self-conscious. Seeing a variety of body types enjoying summer can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. When your online environment is filled with positivity, it’s easier to carry that mindset into your daily life.
3. Choose Comfort Over Trends
Fashion trends come and go, but comfort is key. Wear clothes that make you feel happy and at ease. Whether you love bright colours, bold patterns or more subdued tones, the important thing is that you feel good in what you wear. Comfort should always take precedence over following the latest trends. If you're looking to up your comfort level this summer, create your perfect outfits with Thigh Society shorties. The Cooling work great underneath skirts and dresses to avoid chafe and booty sweat, while our Original and Cargo styles are great options to be worn as bike shorts in our darker colours.
4. Find the Right Fit
Ill-fitting clothes can make anyone feel self-conscious. Spend some time finding swimsuits and summer outfits that fit you well and make you feel confident. Investing in well-fitting clothing can significantly boost your self-esteem and allow you to enjoy summer activities without worrying about your appearance.
5. Engage in Favourite Summer Activities
Think about the activities that bring you the most joy and make time for them. Whether it’s spending a day at the beach, hiking in nature, biking around town or having a picnic in the park, focusing on what you love will naturally shift your attention away from your appearance. Immersing yourself in activities you enjoy helps you live in the moment.
6. Try Something New
Summer is the perfect time to explore new hobbies. Take a surfing lesson, try paddle boarding or join a local sports league. Trying new activities can be exhilarating and shift your focus from appearance to skill development and enjoyment. The excitement of learning something new can overshadow any insecurities about how you look.
7. Spend Time with Supportive People
The people you spend time with can significantly impact your self-esteem. Surround yourself with friends and family who uplift you and make you feel good about yourself. Supportive people help you focus on fun and experiences rather than looks. Their positive energy can be contagious and help you see yourself in a more positive light.
8. Plan Group Activities
Organize group outings and activities where everyone can enjoy themselves. Whether it’s a barbecue, a beach volleyball game or a road trip, group activities can keep the focus on shared experiences. The camaraderie and collective enjoyment can distract you from any worries about your appearance.
9. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care
Starting your day with a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing exercises can help you stay present and reduce anxiety about your appearance. Mindfulness practices can ground you in the moment and help you appreciate your surroundings without self-criticism.
10. Pamper Yourself
Take time for self-care. Whether it’s a spa day, a new skincare routine or simply taking a long bath, pampering yourself can boost your mood and self-esteem. Feeling relaxed and taken care of can enhance your overall well-being and help you enjoy summer more fully.
11. Eat for Nourishment and Pleasure
Summer is full of delicious, fresh produce. Enjoy the flavours of the season by incorporating fruits and vegetables into your meals. Eating well can make you feel better both physically and mentally. A diet rich in seasonal foods can boost your energy and mood, making you feel more vibrant and confident.
12. Don’t Restrict Yourself
Allow yourself to enjoy your favourite summer treats without guilt. Whether it’s ice cream, barbecue or a cold beverage, enjoying your favourite foods is part of a happy, balanced life. Depriving yourself can lead to unnecessary stress, whereas indulging mindfully can enhance your summer experience.
13. Find Joy in Movement
Exercise should be something you look forward to, not a chore. Find activities that you enjoy, whether it’s a dance class, a morning jog or a swim in the lake. When you find joy in movement, exercise becomes a source of pleasure rather than a task related to your appearance.
14. Balance Activity with Rest
Listen to your body and don’t overdo it. Balance active days with restful ones. Sometimes the best way to enjoy summer is to simply relax and do nothing at all. Rest is just as important as activity, and taking time to recharge can enhance your overall enjoyment of the season.
15. Avoid Comparisons
Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on your own experiences and enjoyment rather than comparing yourself to others. Everyone’s summer is different, and that’s okay. Embrace your unique journey and cherish your individual experiences.
16. Limit Social Media Time
Social media can be a highlight reel that makes you feel inadequate. Limit your time on platforms that make you feel less than perfect. Instead, spend time in the real world, creating your own highlights. Real-life experiences are more fulfilling than constantly scrolling through other people’s posts.
17. Take Candid Photos
Photos are a great way to capture memories, but they don’t have to be perfect. Embrace candid shots that capture the joy and spontaneity of your summer moments. The most cherished photos are often the ones that reflect genuine happiness and fun.
18. Create a Summer Journal
Document your summer experiences in a journal. Write about the fun you had, the places you visited, and the people you spent time with. This can help you focus on the experiences rather than how you looked. A journal filled with memories and reflections can be a beautiful keepsake to look back on.
19. Be Kind to Yourself
It’s important to have realistic expectations about your body and your summer experiences. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that no one is perfect. Self-compassion can help you navigate insecurities and focus on what truly matters.
20. Focus on What Matters
At the end of the day, what you’ll remember most about summer is not how you looked, but the memories you made and the joy you experienced. Focus on what truly matters – making the most of every moment. Enjoying time with loved ones, exploring new places and indulging in your favourite activities will be the highlights of your summer.
Summer is a time to unwind, have fun and create lasting memories. By focusing on enjoyment rather than appearance, you can make this your best summer yet. Embrace body positivity, surround yourself with supportive people, engage in activities you love and, most importantly, be kind to yourself. Here's to a summer filled with joy, laughter and self-love.
