6 Ways to Have More Fun in Your Swimsuit

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swimsuit confidenceSwimsuit season is just around the corner! If that makes you cringe a little, you aren’t alone. An informal Instagram poll said 60% of my followers dread wearing a swimsuit. That stinks. Summer is so much fun!

How do we get our minds past our bodies? It’s a journey. No one has all the answers. I put together a few things to think about if you’re feeling apprehensive about swimsuit season.

Don’t hate your body – it’s the only one you get

Those arms wrap your kids in comfort kids when they hurt. Those lips kiss the love of your life. That stomach is the perfect safe space when a movie gets scary for your littlest. Lace your fingers with someone else’s and your hands have the power to steady them when they’re struggling. Don’t talk smack about something so amazing. Appreciate the power of your body.

Pay attention to what’s influencing you

Influencers and models get paid to look good. If you happen to see one at your local pool? They won’t be “insta filtered” and are probably yelling at their kids, too. Follow social channels that reinforce feeling good about the body you have right now and aren’t trying to sell you a quick fix. One of my favorites is the Instagram account @balance365life.

Woman wearing pink and black swimsuit in side-by-side comparison photo.

I’m usually in a tankini with skirted bottoms because it’s comfortable and practical when chasing my kids. 

I don’t take “swimsuit photos.” But, you needed to see how this completely average mom “transformed” herself in one minute. It took a top knot, carefully placed accessories, better posture, a smile, lipstick, and some filtering. Be careful what you believe on the internet!

Exercise isn’t punishment

If an instructor is chirping at you to work harder so your stomach isn’t flabby in your swimsuit, run. Run away and don’t come back.

That kind of negative reinforcement does absolutely nothing to give you a better body image. You’re going to constantly think you’re not good enough, feel defeated, and likely quit altogether.

Even more, find a workout that focuses on positively building you up both mentally and physically. You should walk away feeling refreshed and better about yourself. Focus on how exercising makes you feel, not how it makes your body look. You’ll want to keep doing it if it makes you feel good.

Cabernet and cupcakes

Cabernet and cupcakes are good. Don’t miss out by being at war with food and feeling guilty about eating. Eat a balanced diet and find a Registered Dietitian to help. They’re going to give you advice based on scientific research. The Facebook ad for magic carrot shakes with a side of kale pills is not the way to a healthy relationship with food, a healthy mind or a healthy body.

Comparison is totally useless

My Instagram poll also asked, “Do you compare your body to other people’s bodies?” Eighty percent said ‘often’ with the rest being ‘hardly ever.’ Why do we do that to ourselves?

You aren’t them. You don’t have their genetics or their life. Being smaller, bigger, rounder, flatter, or flabbier than someone else means nothing. It doesn’t make you better or worse than them. It’s wasted mental energy you could be using to perfect your cannonball.

Pretend you’re 87

We aren’t going to look back and think, “Dang! I am so glad I didn’t teach my kids how to waterski.” Some of the most fun people I know are significantly older than me. They’ve learned that life is way too short not to have fun. And in the end? We’re all going to get old, wrinkly, flabby, and probably even more awesome if we learn to love ourselves at every stage of life.

Go put on your swimsuit and have some fun already! 

swimsuit confidence

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