As temperatures rise and pool parties begin, insecurities surrounding your body’s appearance can flare up. The pressure to have a “beach body” can quickly hurt your confidence.
In the 2010s, many influencers and brands promoted body positivity, which encourages people to love their bodies as they are. More recently, many have turned to a more relaxed approach to feeling less insecure and more confident: body neutrality.
Rather than forcing yourself to love how your body looks, some clinicians suggest focusing on what your body does for you. According to the Cleveland Clinic, body neutrality is “realistic and obtainable for many” and removes the concept that your body can be good or bad.
Brenda Herrera, MA, a therapist with Acenda’s School Based Youth Services, offered her own thoughts on body neutrality and feeling better about your self-image this summer.
Why does body image anxiety feel heightened in the summer?
The heat of the summer brings about pool parties, beach days, and ever-shorter clothing. Feeling overexposed to public scrutiny can cause you to overanalyze your body’s appearance. In summer, more people wear lighter clothing and swimsuits. That can make it feel like everyone is noticing and comparing bodies.
“I think that summertime tends to heighten body image due to the summer activities,” Herrera said. “Having to wear a swimsuit in public is nerve-wracking for me because my body is not how it used to be.”
Even though these thoughts come from how you see yourself, they can still affect your daily life. Poor body image can cause anxiety, low self-esteem and even social withdrawal, according to Herrera.
“I know sometimes I do not want to go out because I can’t find clothes that are appealing to my body,” Herrera said. ”Body image issues can cause distance in relationships because it makes people not want to engage when they are not feeling their best.”
How do I set boundaries on talking about my body?
It can be challenging to embrace body neutrality if you find yourself in conversations or environments that trigger your body image insecurities. Herrera acknowledges that it can be particularly difficult because you cannot always control what other people say. Instead of avoiding people or situations completely, try taking simple steps to protect your mental well-being:
- In person: It’s important to set boundaries with those in your life when discussing topics that are hurtful or sensitive. If someone says something hurtful, step away from the conversation and give yourself time to calm down. If you want to address the comment directly, consider saying “This isn’t a topic that I am prepared to discuss at this time” and change the subject.
- Online: It can be nearly impossible to avoid offensive or harmful content across social media and the internet. Rather than avoiding online spaces altogether, be thoughtful about what you follow online so your feed feels supportive instead of negative or comparing. You can do this by following body neutrality influencers or just choosing to follow friends and family.
By setting up personal boundaries for yourself and your community, you can continue to work on building a body-neutral mindset without the stress of setbacks.
How can I think about my body in a kinder, more balanced way?
Some of the best ways to build your body neutrality mindset involve utilizing practical tools to encourage a more compassionate, accepting relationship between yourself and your body. Try some of the following to begin improving your body image today:
- Comfortable Clothing: Choose clothes that feel good on your body. When you feel comfortable, you may spend less time worrying about how you look.
- Positive Affirmations: Herrera says kind reminders can help you accept your body and focus on what it does, not just how it looks. Some positive affirmations you can use include, “I appreciate my body for keeping me healthy and happy” or “I am grateful to my body for helping me live my best life.”
- Stay Active: Moving your body can remind you that it does much more than just look a certain way. Going for a walk or a swim, practicing yoga or even just stretching can allow you to get in touch with your body and embrace its abilities.
Building a more neutral perspective of your body won’t happen overnight. It takes time and effort to shift your mindset, but it can improve your mental well-being and help you stop tying your value to how you look.
“The way your body looks doesn’t define you,” Herrera said. “You are worthy, you are loved and most of all, you are uniquely you. No one said it’s going to be easy because you are basically re-wiring your brain to look at yourself in a positive light.”
Moving Forward
This summer, make the time to go to the pool, wear the shorts and embrace a body neutrality mindset. This can help you spend less time focused on insecurity and more time appreciating your body for keeping you healthy and helping you enjoy your life.
Seeking professional support to improve your body image mindset?
About the Authors
Brenda Herrera, MA, is a program therapist with Acenda’s School Based Youth Services in Cape May County. She recently passed the National Counseling Exam and is pursuing her clinical hours to earn her LPC certification. Herrera has been with Acenda since March of 2025 and has been a professional in the mental health industry since 2018.
Riley de Jong, the Content & Engagement Strategist with Acenda’s Brand, Marketing & Engagement team, attended the University of California – Los Angeles for her undergraduate degree in Communication and minor in Entrepreneurship. She enjoys supporting her community, telling engaging stories, and connecting with others.
