How to Approach Body Image Concerns with Care as the Weather Heats Up

As the season transitions and the days grow longer, many of us are looking forward to all that warmer weather brings—more time outdoors, lighter clothing, days at the beach, and more social gatherings. But for many, this time of year also brings a quieter, more complex emotional experience, an increase in body image concerns.

In my work as a psychologist, I often observe a pattern that re-emerges around this time each year. Clients who may have been relatively at peace with their bodies during the winter months begin to express increased anxiety, self-criticism, or shame as summer approaches. The transition into the "season of exposure" can feel vulnerable and activate deeply ingrained insecurities about appearance, weight, and/or perceived imperfections.

There are both cultural and psychological reasons this takes place. Warmer weather tends to mean wearing less clothing, more visibility, and more public commentary—sometimes subtle, sometimes not so subtle—on bodies. It also coincides with a seasonal rise in media messages around getting our bodies “summer ready.” These messages often promote the idea that bodies must be changed, sculpted, or restricted in order to be acceptable or desirable during this time of year.

For individuals with a history of disordered eating, chronic body image related concerns, or trauma, this shift in seasons can be particularly activating. Even for those who have done meaningful work toward body acceptance or neutrality, cultural pressures can resurface quickly, often catching us off guard.

If you're noticing an increase in body image distress this time of year, you're not alone. It’s an indication that your nervous system is responding to very real, very powerful messages about worth and visibility. The strong desire to “fix” or change your body can also be understood as an indicator of deeper emotional needs such as the need for safety, belonging, and self-regulation.

Rather than focusing on changing your body, I invite you to consider shifting your attention toward practices that help you feel more connected to it. Grounding exercises, somatic awareness, trauma-informed movement, and self-compassion practices can offer meaningful alternatives to the cycle of comparison and criticism. You could ask yourself, “What helps me feel safe and at home in my body, especially during vulnerable times?”

It's also important to note that body image struggles don’t discriminate; they can affect people of all genders, ages, sizes, races, and backgrounds. These concerns can be compounded by experiences of marginalization, chronic illness, or trauma. If this is something you’re working through, know that your feelings are valid, and you don’t have to navigate them alone.

As a psychologist, I encourage gentle curiosity over judgment. Notice what’s coming up for you this season. What stories do you hear in your mind about what your body “should” be? Who taught you those stories? And what might it be like to write a new one? Also consider the following tips and suggestions:

Tips for Supporting Body Image as the Season Heats Up

1. Curate your media intake
   On social media, unfollow accounts that promote unrealistic or appearance-focused content. Seek and follow body-inclusive, body-liberating voices that affirm worth beyond appearance.

2. Instead of conformity, Choose clothing for comfort
   Wear what feels physically and emotionally comfortable on your body. Your comfort matters more than anyone else’s opinions.

3. Name what you’re feeling out loud
   Sometimes just acknowledging aloud “this is a challenging season for my body image” can lessen the shame and open space for support.

4. Embrace mindful movement
   Engage in movement that feels good and brings you joy. Long walks, yoga, stretching, or dancing are just a few great options. Approach movement not with the intention to change your body, but to feel more present in it.

5. Cultivate self-compassion
   Would you speak to someone you care about the way you’re speaking to yourself? If not, pause. Try again with kindness.

6. Seek out safe relationships
   Whether with a therapist, trusted friend, or support group, being seen and heard without judgment can help facilitate a shift in your internal thought patterns.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

If you notice the warmer weather is bringing up body image concerns, feelings of shame, or a sense of disconnection from yourself, you’re not alone and support is available. In therapy, we can explore the origins of these feelings with curiosity and compassion, and work toward a more grounded, embodied relationship with yourself.

You don’t need to change your body to feel better, you can change the way you relate to it.

Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about therapy or trauma-informed support for body image. 

Written by: Deahdra Bowier