The Summer Body Myth

This message is everywhere, making many of us feel like we need to change something about ourselves to fit an ideal that, in reality,  doesn’t even exist. The idea of the ‘perfect’ Summer body is nothing more than a myth – what may seem perfect to me, may not be to you. The real secret to enjoying Summer isn’t about meeting some standard of physical perfection – it’s about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin, whatever stage of life you’re at.

Stress during menopause isn’t just about feeling a bit more frazzled than usual. It’s about biology. It’s about chemistry. And most importantly, it’s about realising that it’s not just you – we are all in this together! So, let’s explore how menopause and stress are intertwined and, more importantly, how you can harness those hormones and take back control.

 

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The Summer Body Obsession: Why It’s a Trap

We’ve all seen the headlines:
‘Time to get your Summer body!’
‘Summer’s just around the corner – how to lose ten pounds in 2 weeks!’
‘Quick fixes for the perfect beach body!’

While these messages may seem harmless at first, they contribute to a toxic mindset that tells us we need to somehow ‘transform’ our bodies to be worthy of enjoying the Summer. The pressure can feel overwhelming, especially when we already have so much going on in our lives – rampaging hormones, moody teenagers and being all things to all people can really take a toll and on top of that we are expected to have the body of a twenty year old when we go on our well-earned holiday!

The more we heed this unattainable ideal, the further away we get from truly embracing what Summer is all about – the sunshine, the fun, the laughter and the freedom from routine – it’s not about starving ourselves to lose weight in the month leading up to our holiday then deciding to cover up on the beach because we don’t look like a supermodel in a bikini after all.

 

Why the ‘Perfect Summer Body’ Doesn’t Exist

As women, especially those of us navigating midlife and menopause, our bodies go through constant changes. Many of us are experiencing weight fluctuations, hot flushes, hormonal shifts and sometimes, it can even feel like our bodies don’t feel like our own anymore – it can be difficult to accept the signs of mid-life and menopause. But these changes don’t make us any less worthy of enjoying the Summer. Instead, they should remind us that this time of life isn’t just about how we look – it’s about embracing who we are and enjoying every moment of where we are right now, instead of stressing about hiding our tummy bulges or finding longer shorts to cover our thighs.

 

Confidence: The Key to Your True Summer Body

If the ‘perfect’ body doesn’t exist, then what can truly makes us feel good in Summer? The answer is simple – confidence.

Confidence is what makes us feel radiant, powerful and alive, no matter what shape or size we are or how our body has changed. When we feel confident, we can wear whatever we like, go wherever we want and live without the constant nagging of self-doubt.

Confidence isn’t about fitting into a certain size or reaching a particular weight. It’s about accepting yourself and feeling good about who you are, right here, right now. It comes from within and it’s something you can nurture every day, no diet required.

That said, confidence also means being kind to yourself, especially on those days when things don’t go as planned. Maybe the scales aren’t showing the ‘right’ number or maybe you’re struggling with body changes you didn’t expect. Confidence doesn’t mean perfection – it means accepting yourself at every stage of the journey, flaws and all.

 

Stop Worrying About What Others Think

The only opinion that matters about your body is your own.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in what others might think, especially with the pressure to look a certain way for Summer. But the reality is, most people are far too focused on their own insecurities to be judging you. In fact, many women are probably worrying about the same thing.

Today we have the added pressure of living in a world where social media often exaggerates reality and filters can create an unrealistic image of what bodies are supposed to look like. But everyone’s body is unique, and everyone has their own struggles. Letting go of the fear of judgment is one of the most liberating things you can do for your self-esteem. Don’t ditch that swimsuit, dress or pair of shorts because you think you might not look good in them – wear them because you like them – your opinion of you is the only one that matters.

Confidence grows when we stop comparing ourselves to others and start focusing on what makes us feel good. When you shift your mindset away from worrying about how others perceive you, you’ll find that your sense of freedom and joy skyrockets. And that’s what really makes you radiant.

 

What Really Matters This Summer

While staying healthy is obviously important and making an effort to look our best will make us feel better in ourselves, simply focusing on how we think we should look is guaranteed to make us feel stressed and anxious.

So, what we can do to embrace Summer with confidence:

• Move for joy, not punishment.
  Exercise shouldn’t be about punishing your body. It should be about moving in ways that feel good – whether it’s a long walk in the park, a bike ride along the coast or even dancing to your favourite tunes. Find activities that make you feel alive and energised.
• Nourish, don’t deprive.
  Summer is the season of juicy fruits, delicious salads and ice cream. It’s a time to enjoy all that the season has to offer while nourishing your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive. So, rather than depriving yourself or falling into a cycle of dieting, just focus on balance. Eat the foods that make you feel good, enjoy them without guilt and trust that your body knows how to find balance naturally.
• Dress for comfort and confidence.
  Your summer wardrobe should be about comfort and feeling great in what you wear. Don’t worry about squeezing into clothes that don’t fit anymore or wearing something just because it’s the latest trend. Choose what makes you feel confident – whether it’s a flattering swimsuit, a flowy dress or your favourite pair of shorts. When you feel good in your clothes, your confidence shines through and that’s what really makes a statement.
• Focus on fun, not fear.
  The best memories of Summer are made with the people you love, in the moments that bring you joy. Whether it’s a beach day, a picnic in the park or a night out with friends, focus on the experiences and the laughter, rather than any insecurities you might have about your body. Focusing on the joy you feel will outshine any concerns and that’s what will make your Summer unforgettable.

 

It’s Time to Let Go of the Pressure

This Summer, let’s make a pact to let go of the pressure to look a certain way and just embrace where we are right now. Let’s celebrate our bodies for the incredible things they do (and have done for us over the years) and let’s step into the season with the confidence to enjoy it to its fullest.

Your body is already ‘Summer Ready’. There’s nothing to change. The only thing missing is the confidence to step into it and own it.

So, as we head into the Summer months, let’s decide now that we will wear what feels good, move with joy, eat without guilt and focus on the things that bring us happiness.

Embracing who we are and not who we think we should be is the most empowering thing we women can do for ourselves. So, if you want to wear that bikini, then wear the damn bikini!