Your Body is Not a Project This Summer
Listen, I get it—summer’s coming in hot (literally, I am in Texas), and suddenly it feels like everyone and their cousin is shouting at you to “fix” yourself.
“Get your summer body ready!”
“Try this new diet!”
“Shrink, tone, sculpt, repeat!”
Ugh. It’s exhausting. And honestly, it’s just rude.
But here’s what I’m reminding myself—and you too, friend:
My body is not some Pinterest project.
It doesn’t need to be overhauled, repainted, or “ready” for anyone.
Not this summer. Not ever.
This summer? I’m showing up exactly as I am—stretch marks, soft spots, snack in hand—and soaking up every bit of sunshine unapologetically (yes … all 240lbs of me).
The Sneaky Mental Health Toll of “Summer Body” Culture (Yep, We See You)
Every year, like clockwork, summer rolls in—and suddenly it’s “bikini body this” and “drop 10 pounds before June” that.
And at The Relationship Clinic, we see it all the time—how this nonsense messes with your peace of mind. You might catch yourself:
Stressing about every bite of food or overthinking every workout.
Dodging pool parties or BBQs because of body worries.
Turning into a mirror detective, zooming in on every flaw like it’s your job.
Slipping into sadness, isolation, or that ugly voice in your head saying you’re “not enough.”
What starts as “just trying to feel good” can take a sharp left turn into anxiety, shame, and body drama—especially if you’ve ever dealt with disordered eating, low self-worth, or trauma.
PSA: You Are Absolutely Allowed to Opt Out
Here’s your official permission slip to quit the “summer body” circus, signed with love by yours truly, lol.
You do not need:
A smaller body to enjoy sunshine.
To hide from events until you’ve “toned up.”
To punish yourself with endless workouts or bland diets.
Your worth does not change with the seasons. (And yes, that means your value doesn’t melt away with your popsicle.)
How About a Summer of Actual Peace?
Instead of turning yourself into a sweaty, sad science project this summer, here’s what we are recommending:
Body peace. Self-compassion. Actual joy.
Some easy ways that I am (I wish I was immune), currently using to get there are:
Wear What Feels Good: Rock whatever makes you comfy. Forget trends, forget judgment.
Move for Joy, Not Punishment: Walk, dance, stretch, float around—move because it feels nice, not because you’re trying to “burn off” last night’s tacos.
Unfollow the Noise: Seriously, mute or unfollow anyone who makes you feel “less than.” Your feed, your rules.
Check That Inner Critic: Would you say that harsh thing to your best friend? No? why then are you saying it to yourself?
Celebrate Your Body’s Magic: Your body does so much for you every day—focus on what it lets you experience, not just what it looks like. Listen to it, it knows best.
This Is Your Sign: Let This Be the Summer of Body Kindness
If you’ve been stuck in body anxiety, you’re far from alone (I am right there with you hun) —and yes, you can heal.
At The Relationship Clinic, we help people every day who are learning to call a truce with their bodies.
Reminder:
Your body isn’t some fixer-upper project.
It’s your home—worthy of rest, respect, and soft places to land.
Repeat after me:
“My body doesn’t have to change for me to enjoy this summer. I am allowed to rest, nourish, and celebrate myself as I am.”
And if the body drama still feels heavy? We’re right here—ready to help, no crash diets required.
Reach out to our team of therapists today to book your session. You really deserve some peace this summer.
Written by Maureen Mbugua