Summer is in full swing, and holidays are on the horizon. For some, this might trigger worries about physical appearance and the pressures of a summer body.
The body acceptance movement has come a long way in recent years, with greater representations of bodies of all shapes and sizes. But there’s still a way to go, the pressure to look a certain way persists, and research shows this could be the link between the rise in cosmetic procedures and Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Studies also highlight the negative impact of increased social media usage on body image. Social media allows people to share a snippet of their lives, known as the highlight reel. This purposely selected snippet can sometimes give way to unhelpful comparisons with others.
The pressure to look a certain way can bring up a range of feelings and emotions. These feelings might be particularly prominent during the summer when wearing lighter clothing, getting in swimwear on holiday or attending a social event. It could range from mild insecurities to intense anxiety or low mood.
Everyone’s experience of body image is different; there’s no right or wrong way to feel. If you notice that body image pressures have been impacting you lately, try the below tips to help you overcome them.
