Body Image Issues Flare Up in the Summertime
Posted on: August 5th, 2015
For many, summer is a joyous time. They look forward to outdoor activities – time at the beach swimming, sunbathing and barbecuing, but for others this time of year is a real source of stress and anxiety over poor body image.
It’s not surprising that summertime triggers these feelings; there’s an increase in advertising telling us we’re not good enough. The media hammers us with images and reminders that we need to lose weight and tone up so we can look perfect in our bathing suits.
It’s easy to dismiss these media pressures as benign, but they can have a serious impact on those struggling with body-image issues and/or eating disorders. These individuals spend much of the year wearing layers of clothing to hide perceived body imperfections, and summer, with its warm temps, calls for lighter clothing. All of a sudden they feel exposed, judged and ashamed.
Summer also brings change and transition for many youths, teens and young adults – a group especially vulnerable to developing body image issues and eating disorders. School, with its predictable structure and routine, is out and they are left with an abundance of free time. Plus, many go to camp or are preparing for college and the reality of leaving their comfortable family support system can cause separation anxiety.
All of this sets up a dynamic whereby body- and diet-related issues can worsen during this time of year. For example, if one has a tendency toward extreme dieting, then these summer pressures can be a tipping point, pushing them into a full-blown eating disorder.
Thankfully, there are effective ways to deal with these challenges, relieve summertime pressures, and restore balance. The ideal approach addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual.
Try a new physical activity such as yoga, dance, or boating. This is a great way to connect with yourself, others and nature and leaves you less time to think about your appearance and diet.
Shift your perspective. Instead of spending time judging yourself and others, try to quiet your mind by focusing on the beauty of your surroundings — the chirping birds, light dancing on the water, kids playing in the sand.
Share your thoughts and feelings with others. Find a family member or friend who is easy to talk to and discuss what you’re going through. Giving voice to your feelings and getting sensible feedback will reduce your stress and anxiety.
Poor body image and eating disorders can be very difficult to overcome and oftentimes professional help is needed. Contact Maureen Kritzer-Lange Psychotherapy at 973-313-1691or info@maureenkritzerlange.com.
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