Summer is here, we finally made it! The sun is out, temperatures are high, and many beach days are ahead. For most, this is the best time of the year. However, summertime often brings many challenges and triggers for those in Eating Disorder recovery. Summer often means wearing less clothing, bathing suits, parties/BBQs, and so much more. For as long as I can remember, once summer is on the horizon, the conversations surrounding the perfect “Summer Body” become essentially unavoidable. Trying not to compare yourself to others is really challenging in general, but even more so on the beach.
I’ve certainly had my fair share of anxiety around this over the years, but the exposure has allowed me to learn how to manage these triggers during the summer months. Here are a few tips to make it through a beach day and actually enjoy it:
B – Bring a book, magazine, podcast, or something to entertain you
E – EAT. Just because you are in a bathing suit, you still need to eat.
A – Ask for help. If you need more support, speak up. You are not a burden.
C – Celebrate your wins. Acknowledge that this may be hard, but you deserve to enjoy yourself.
H – Healthy self talk. We are not bashing ourselves!
D – Dress comfortably. Wear something that you feel good in! Choose a trendy cover up, fun sunglasses, and cute sandals.
A – Avoid being around people that constantly talk about their bodies or dieting
Y – Your recovery is more important than the diet talk going on around you.
For more information and resources on eating disorders, please visit the NEDA website.
Hannah is a 27 year old living in New York City and works in social media. Over the past three years of navigating recovery, she has grown a passion for helping others, speaking openly about mental health struggles, and shutting down diet culture, especially in the wellness/fitness space. In her free time, Hannah can be found spending time with friends and family, shamelessly watching reality TV, and exploring NYC.
