Swimsuit season often brings with it more than sunshine and poolside plans—it can also stir up anxiety, comparison, and self-doubt. If the thought of donning a swimsuit makes you feel uncomfortable or triggers self-critical thoughts, you’re not alone.
We hear from many individuals—teens and adults alike—who are struggling with body image during the summer months. The pressure to have the “perfect body” is everywhere, especially on social media, where heavily filtered images and unrealistic standards dominate the feed. But here's the truth: bikini bodies and beach bodies are just bodies at the beach—everybody is worthy, as is.
Let’s talk about how to navigate the season with more kindness, perspective, and care—for yourself and others.
1. Know That Body Image Issues Are Common—And Valid
It’s completely normal to have mixed feelings about your body. Many people—regardless of body shape or body type—experience negative body image, especially during times when more skin is exposed or social events are centered around appearance.
Recognizing this struggle is the first step. You’re not being shallow or vain. Body image concerns are deeply tied to your physical and mental health, self-esteem, and past experiences. They deserve compassion, not judgment.
2. Rethink What It Means to Feel Good in Your Skin
Feeling confident and comfortable in a swimsuit doesn’t require six-pack abs or fitting into a certain size. It requires permission—permission to show up in your current body and feel good doing it.
Try shifting your internal dialogue. Instead of asking, “Do I look good enough?” try:
- “Am I allowing myself to feel confident today?”
- “What can I wear that helps me enjoy myself, rather than shrink myself?”
- “How can I support my physical and mental health in this moment?”
3. Curate Your Social Media
If your feed is filled with content that makes you feel less-than, it’s time to unfollow and reset. Follow accounts that promote body positivity, diversity, and realness. Seeing a range of body shapes and body types helps normalize what’s real—and reduces the pressure to look a certain way.
Body positive content celebrates all forms, encourages self-respect, and reminds us that health isn’t one-size-fits-all.
4. Challenge the “Swimsuit-Ready” Myth
The idea that you need to earn your place at the pool or beach is simply false. Diet culture thrives during swimsuit season, pushing crash diets and quick fixes that can be harmful—especially for those recovering from or at risk of an eating disorder.
You don’t have to change your body. You may need to change your expectations, your wardrobe, or your self-talk—but your body is not the problem.
5. Spend Time Doing What Feels Good
Instead of obsessing over how you look, focus on how you feel. Choose activities that bring you joy. Splash in the water. Lay in the sun (safely). Laugh with friends. Dance at a barbecue. Spend time living in your body, not judging it from the outside.
When you engage fully in life, fun, connection, you give your body a chance to be appreciated for what it does, not just how it looks.
6. When to Seek Support
If body image issues are starting to impact your daily life, social interactions, or relationship with food, it might be time to talk to someone. An eating disorder or chronic negative body image isn’t something you need to handle alone.
We work with clients to build a healthy, respectful relationship with their bodies. We provide evidence-based therapy for body image concerns, disordered eating, anxiety, and more.
Let’s Redefine Confidence—Together
Serving the Alpharetta and Cumming areas, we offer compassionate, judgment-free therapy services both in-person and online. Contact us today to schedule a session and take the next step toward feeling more grounded, more empowered, and more at home in your body—this season and every season.