by Amia Phillips, MA, P-LPC, P-CST, Reiki
Summer is here, and with it comes the pressure of having to achieve the perfect "Hot Girl Summer Body." Everywhere we look, we see ads and social media posts telling us that we need to have a certain body type to enjoy the summer months fully, but can we still have a hot girl summer without the pressures of society? This pressure can be incredibly overwhelming, especially for those of us who struggle with body image issues. Now the coin term was derived from Meg the Stallion, the rapper, where it expressed to have a fun and an explosive summer while looking good and being your best, whatever that look like. However, because of this, it might have caused more stress than fun times in the sun during the summer months. Let’s explore a little bit more about the the stress of having a Hot Girl Summer Body and practical tips on how to cope with that stress.
1. The myth of the perfect body type
The first thing to understand is that the "perfect" body type is a myth. There is no such thing as one ideal body type that everyone should strive for. Every person's body is unique and different, and that is what makes us beautiful. The media might try to tell us that we need to look like a certain model, influencer, artist, etc. to be happy, but that is simply not true. We should focus on being healthy and happy, rather than chasing an unattainable body type.
2. The impact of social media
Social media can be a source of inspiration and positivity, but it can also be incredibly damaging to our self-esteem. Seeing perfectly curated photos of others can make us feel like we are not good enough, leading to stress and anxiety. It's important to remember that social media is not real life, and we should not measure ourselves against what we see online. Instead, we should focus on our own progress and celebrate our own unique beauty.
3. Coping with body image issues/ Identify The Triggers That Affect Your Body Image
If you struggle with body image issues, there are several things you can do to help cope with the stress of having a Hot Girl Summer Body. The first step to feel confident about your body image is to understand the triggers that affect your self-esteem. Are you scrolling through social media and feeling insecure about your body because of the photos you see? Are you comparing yourself to others? Take time to identify your triggers and make a conscious effort to avoid them. Consider taking a social media detox or limiting your usage to a few minutes a day.
Most importantly is to practice self-care. When you're taking care of yourself, you're telling your body how much you love it. Start small by taking a few minutes every day to do something nice for yourself, whether that's taking a bubble bath, dancing freely in your house, sensual/erotic dance classes, taking yourself out on a date, going for a walk, or practicing yoga. When you actively engage in self-care, it can help you develop a more positive feeling about yourself. Secondly, you can focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Take time to reflect on your personal achievements and the things that make you happy.
4. Invest in Clothes That Make You Feel Good
There’s nothing better than putting on an outfit that makes you feel like you are unstoppable! So, invest in clothes that make you feel good and comfortable this summer. Wear items that flatter your body type, make you feel confident, and keep you comfortable. When you feel confident and authentic to yourself, no one can tell you how you should feel.
Finally, it's important to celebrate and appreciate all body types. We are all unique and beautiful, and we should embrace that diversity. Instead of focusing on our differences, we should celebrate the things that bring us together, such as kindness, empathy, and the desire to lead a happy and fulfilling life. When we learn to appreciate all body types, we can create a more positive and accepting society for ourselves and future generations.
In conclusion, the stress of having a Hot Girl Summer Body can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that there is no such thing as a perfect body type. We should focus on our own progress and celebrate our own unique beauty, rather than comparing ourselves to others. By practicing self-care, focusing on our strengths, and celebrating all body types, we can learn to cope with the stress and lead a happy and fulfilling life. Remember, you are beautiful just the way you are!