Your summer body requires attention and care. Here are some things you can do to have the best summer body ever!
(Yes, I'm smirking right now.)
1. Put it in comfortable clothing.
Summertime can make you sticky and sweaty and that's not super-enjoyable, especially if your clothes are itchy and too tight. Wearing clothing that is light and airy and not too clingy can drastically improve your quality of life.
2. Give it enough to drink.
When the weather is hot, it's especially important to make sure you're getting in enough fluids. Inadequate hydration can leave you feeling spacey, headachy, irritable, and even dizzy. Keep water on hand and take the time to stop and drink it.
3. Allow it time to rest.
Everything is more exhausting in the heat. Give yourself time to rest and regroup instead of pushing yourself all day long and then collapsing!
4. Give it some fun.
Summer opens up opportunities to move your body in different ways, like swimming, hiking, and biking. It also allows for new ways to enjoy sitting in one place, such as having a picnic in a park or relaxing on the beach. Giving your body the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors is giving it a gift.
5. Talk to it nicely.
"I don't care about how you feel! All I care about is what you look like on the outside!"
Would you say this to a friend? A child? So don't say it to your body. When you overwork and underfuel your body, when you put it in clothes that don't feel right, and when you shame it for having needs, you are mistreating a part of yourself. Yes, you can wish your body were different while still treating it kindly. Don't aim for "body love" if that's not realistic. The good news is that all you need is body neutrality. Accepting your body for what it is right now and treating it with respect will free up your time and attention to have a truly enjoyable summer!