Summer Stressors: The Bathing Suit

For 15 % of you, summer stress is all about getting into those summer clothes, in particular, the dreaded “B” word. Here are some responses that sum it up!

Getting into a bathing suit (OMG--yikes)--even wearing shorts--cellulite city. Robin

Trying to squeeze my big white butt into a bathing suit and still pretend that I look good in it. Not to mention that I need to go buy a new one and humilate myself by having to look at myself in the mirror and try not to throw up or laugh in hysterics. Other than that, I love the summer and can't wait for warm weather. Cynthia

How to survive bathing suit season

1. Start moving. I mean, you could exercise yourself senseless all through June with one to two workouts a day, after joining an expensive gym. The problem? This generally ends in disaster. We usually can’t go from 0 to 60 with a good result. Most of us who have tried this end up with a gym membership we never use and a crushed ego when we don’t see the body of our dreams in the mirror after 4 weeks. What if instead we tried getting moving? Taking a 15 minute walk after lunch and dinner, maybe riding the bike once a week or so, even taking the stairs will point us in the right direction.

2. Tweak the diet. It seems so easy to go on a fad diet. These are a great form of torture that lead us to a quick loss of water weight, but for most of us, they don’t last. Our behavior and our minds can’t keep up the routine. What about reducing a little here and there? Adding some water, not eating late at night. Those little changes will add up over time.

3. Wear a tarp all summer. By tarp, I don’t mean a giant piece of canvas they used to make lean-tos with in the 70’s. Yes, I am flashing back to my childhood. Put a tarp over all those nasty little thoughts you have about yourself. Give yourself a break and cover up negative thinking. Maybe putting a tarp over our thoughts is one was to escape the dread of bathing suit season.

4. Fast forward 20. Try picturing yourself 20 years from now. I have worked with countless patients who spent so much of their lives berating their bodies. And it is always the same story. When they look at a picture of themselves at another time in their lives, they ask the same question, “What didn’t I like about myself? I looked great back then.” Consider getting some coaching from an older and wiser you. 20 years from now this body you have will be looking pretty good. Put it in perspective and see what happens.

5. Laugh it off. Self deprication can be funny at times, with balance. Don’t take your appearance quite so serious. Embrace who you are and laugh about it. Life is too short to let cellulite and love handles stop you from living.

6. Chose wisely. Consider what you wear. Educate yourself a bit about what flatters your body type, what colors look good on you. Just know your body’s strengths and work with them. Pewter may be the color of the season but if it makes you look like a carcass, take a pass and work with what you got!

7. Find your fabulousness. What are your assets? Spend some time with those, okay? Know what you have going for you and do battle with those negative thoughts by reminding yourself about your “good side.” Don’t be telling me you don’t have any. That is ridiculous. Find them and know them and face the big “B” with a smile on your face and courage in your step.

Because whether you admit it or not, there is some serious fabulousness happening with your body. Grab onto it and enjoy the season!


What bugs you about bathing suit season and what do you do to cope? Share your answers, funny stories and feedback in the comments section. Thanks!

Maria