3 Body Image Ideas For Finding A Swimsuit And Having Fun In The Sun
Remember when we were kids? Playing in the pool past dark, running through the grass playing tag, eating ice cream, and watching our favorite movies (stoked that there wasn't any school tomorrow!)
I love thinking back on this time- full of innocence and adventure.
Completely detached from any shame around body or food. Just going with the flow and having fun in life.
When I work with clients in the summertime, I always keep this intention in mind:
How can we get back to more of this childlike, playful, uncomplicated state?-especially when we might be faced with "grown-up" expectations, demands, judgments etc.
There are a few key places that I like to start in this process, but let's keep it simple right now and just stick to 1 action item.
Bathings suits.
Do you like the one that you own?
How does it make you feel?
When you toss it on, do you notice that you spend most of the time thinking about your body rather than the experience?
Or maybe you think your body is on display for everyone around you?
Here's my body image tip for you: Go out and buy a bathing suit that makes you FEEL comfortable, so that you can ENJOY the experience whether its a spa day, a trip to the beach, or a BBQ.
Is this going to solve all of your body image thoughts? Not necessarily- there's a lot of deeper work around this (and it IS possible)...
But you know me- I'm all about taking action and just putting one foot in front of the other to start feeling better.
I've been going through this bathing suit exercise with clients lately and it's been AWESOME!
Some of the women I support were trying to hold onto swimsuits that were too small.
Others were wearing 2-pieces to prove their empowerment when in reality it was really creating more negative feelings.
One of my clients even bought a 2 piece for the first time because she was READY to rock it without feeling like her body was on display.
Wherever you are on your own body image and bathing suit journey, I promise that there's one out there that will make you feel like a million bucks and give you the opportunity to ENJOY the experience like a kid, rather than our stressed-out adult selves!!
A few extra shopping tips to leave you with:
Get in the right frame of mind before trying it on. And I don't mean starving yourself a few days before you make your way to the dressing room. I’m talking about mindset. Trying on clothes when you're feeling a little more neutral-confident, rather than with negative thoughts is a game-changer.
Try on a VARIETY of styles. There are so many cute swimsuit trends right now!! Super chic 1-pieces, high waists, tankinis, cuts, colors, etc. Give yourself permission to have fun and find something that reflects your personality.
Remember that there will be a lot of styles that you don't like or don't make you feel good. That's a part of the shopping process. When we assume that everything is going to be a perfect fit, we can get caught up in the negative body cycle real fast. Lower expectations a little and celebrate the suits that you try on and feel fabulous in!
Alright, that's all for now. Sending you SO MUCH love and a big vote of confidence for your shopping experience- I'm excited for you.
P.S. If you want even more resources and ideas for feeling more comfortable in your skin and living a life you love, be sure to grab my free Body Acceptance Starter Kit!
