- Calls to this hotline are currently being directed to Within Health, Fay or Eating Disorder Solutions
- Representatives are standing by 24/7 to help answer your questions
- All calls are confidential and HIPAA compliant
- There is no obligation or cost to call
- Eating Disorder Hope does not receive any commissions or fees dependent upon which provider you select
- Additional treatment providers are located on our directory or samhsa.gov
Beaches and Vacations – Feeling Body Comfortable and Confident
Summertime is a season for resting, traveling, vacationing, exploring – taking a break from the normal routine of work and school. Whether vacationing by the pool or beachside, there are countless ways to enjoy the summer months. However, for someone who may be recovering from an eating disorder, or for a person who might be struggling with poor self-esteem or body image, the summer season can be a difficult time.
Facing Potential Poor Self-esteem or Body Image Triggers
Being in situations where more body is exposed can be triggering for someone dealing with low self-esteem or negative body image. This can be created by comparison with other people, such as comparing one’s body to others or feeling increased pressure to look a certain way.
The summertime is a notorious season for increased advertisements that tout how to lose weight fast or become “beach body” ready, sending the message that we must look a certain way if we want to enjoy the beach, pools, etc. Understanding these potential triggers ahead of time can be helpful in learning how to cope effectively.
Embracing Your Body Confidently
In a society that is constantly pushing advertisements and messages of the body “ideal”, it can be difficult to feel confident in your own body or to think that your body is okay as it is. How can you begin to promote body positivity, beginning with yourself?
One helpful perspective is to focus on the things that your body is capable of rather than being overly concerned about appearance.
For example, if you are worried about how you might look in a bathing suit, remind yourself of the strength in your body that allows you to run, swim, hold your loved ones, jump, play, explore and travel.
Every body is unique and beautiful in its own way, one that cannot be replicated or copied. If you find yourself struggling with body image to the point that you are unable to participate in the things that you once enjoyed, be sure to talk with someone you trust for help and healing.
Your life is meant to be enjoyed, regardless of the season of life you might be in.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating.
Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 22, 2019
Published July 16, 2016, on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
