I’ve been seeing and hearing it everywhere….Hot girl summer! Here at Sinnergy Wellness Group, we are all about claiming this summer as a summer to remember. We are all for attempting to regain some of the pre-pandemic normalcy we are desperately craving such as:
- Seeing friends
- Hanging by the pool
- Enjoying long days and summer nights with people outside of our homes (FINALLY!).
Connection...We have been longing for it, for sure; not that the world is going “totally back to the way it was.” because that’s simply not possible. There is no denying that we have adapted, grown, and changed as individuals, as communities, as a world. The last year and a half, for so many, has been some of the most challenging times of their lives and for those struggling with body image issues, eating disorders, and the pressures of having to live up to the impossible black and white view of this “hot girl summer” hype can be down right, well… detrimental!
Society forgets to remind people that we are surviving beautifully, while doing our best to navigate difficult situations. Our bodies are doing their very best to hold our stress, meet challenges head on, and support our wellbeing; which 100% includes our mental health.
So let’s talk about the elephant in the room!
I feel at times, there is enormous pressure centered around having to meet expectations of what our outside appearance needs to measure up to in order to feel worthy….to feel… enough. It’s a measuring stick that always moves- leaving many discontented, ashamed, and deeply struggling with disordered thoughts and behaviors that are slowly seeping into all aspects of their life. We must always remember that as unique and beautiful humans, we are not meant to fit inside a small minded conception of today’s beauty standards. Living our best lives this and every summer simply cannot be cut down how we look. Emotional. Physical. Mental. Spiritual. All of these components fall under the umbrella of feeling our best.
I feel many are struggling to walk into this summer with confidence as this myth of perfection looms overhead. Nourishing your body, watering it, showing up to life and connecting with loved ones, wearing what you want to wear or not depending on YOUR comfortability level- you are the destination!
When we strive to be “perfect” we miss the present moment.
You are more than enough. ❤️
All bodies are good bodies. All bodies deserve to be celebrated. They aren’t ornaments to be only seen, but functional vehicles that are moving us through to our goals and dreams. And really rough times.
It is time to release the pressure that you or your body have to present a certain way to be seen as valid or worthy as we approach this summer season. You are more than your skin suit. More than a bathing suit.
Here are some questions to ask yourself if you notice you are beginning to fall into a negative body image trap:
- How do I want to remember this summer? Hangry? Feeling miserable? Hiding my body? Or living my life fully enjoying every moment?
- What can I do in this moment to be a little kinder to myself?
- How can I practice more neutrality and less judgement towards myself?
- Reality checks- I love my friends and family for WHO they are not what they look like. I’m practice extending that same belief to myself!
- Is what I am wearing comfortable and make me feel good? Do the latest fashion trends even make make ME feel comfortable at all?
Winter’s New Rules for “hot girl summer?”
- Appreciate the skin you are in. It’s doing it’s very best for you. Back to basics! Consistent nutrition, hydration, and laughter make the world go round. Wash, rinse and repeat!
- Remain mindful and vigilant of the thoughts that lead you to comparing your body/appearance to others. No human is the same as another. By attempting to place yourself above or below someone else based on external variables is always a losing game.
- Connect with your senses- the smell of sunscreen, the taste of watermelon, sunshine on your skin. Water. Laughter. Be in the moment here and now. We only get one life. Live it. Fully!
- And always remember your sunscreen ❤️
