It is totally fine, normal even, if you feel a little apprehensive about visiting the beach. Beach body anxiety is not just about how you look in swimwear or that you need to strip off to “do it right,” but more feeling like everyone’s watching you, judging your choices, or wondering why you are even there. It is not rational of course, but that is what anxiety can be, and the beach has a way of making people feel a little exposed.
Of course, getting in shape for the summer (especially now it is winter) is not a bad idea if you want to do that. But generally, if you are not happy without the perfect body, you might not be happy with it.
Perhaps you have tried different approaches to feel more comfortable, from strict diets to considering a very helpful mommy makeover should you wish to, but the real challenge is not changing your body – it is changing how you feel about being seen.
In reality, everyone deserves to enjoy the beach, the pool, or any other place they would like to spend their time. We are even certain you will not turn heads like you think you will. That might sound obvious when you read it, but it is surprisingly difficult to believe it when you are standing there in swimwear, feeling exposed. Even people who seem completely confident often share these same worried thoughts.
So, what do we do? How can we think more healthily about this? We hope the following advice is empathetic enough to help:
Finding Swimwear That Actually Fits
Most of us are wearing the wrong size swimwear, and not just by a little bit either. Swimming costumes and bikinis often fit differently than regular clothes, but we tend to grab our usual size and hope for the best, to various results. It is best to measure yourself with a little give and check size guides properly. Good-fitting swimwear should not dig in, ride up, or need constant adjustment to feel good. Remember too that sizes vary wildly between brands – you might be three different sizes in three different shops, and that is completely normal. You also do not need to go for the bikini. A nice summer dress that is light and flows can still keep you cool. Shorts are fine if you prefer them. Do what feels right.
Going At Your Own Pace
There is no rule that says you have to stride confidently onto the beach in your swimwear for an Instagram fashion show on day one. You can always start with sitting in a quiet spot, wrapped in a towel until you feel ready. Perhaps you wear a cover-up until you are in the water. Some people feel more comfortable going at quieter times of day, or finding less crowded beaches too. Do what feels right. Small victories count – even just showing up is progress if you have been avoiding these situations. Going with a friend or family member you trust can also make you feel less alone.
Creating Your Own Safe Space
Sometimes comfort comes from controlling your environment a bit. That can mean bringing a big umbrella for shade (and privacy), or setting up your towel where you feel most at ease, not where you think you ‘should’ be. To adhere to our prior advice, packing some comfortable clothes for before and after swimming so you are not soaked through the whole time can be nice. A few nice activities that help you feel grounded work well also, in this case maybe it is a good book, some music, or games if you are with family. These familiar comforts can help the beach feel more like your space rather than somewhere you are just visiting or intruding upon. You will also have fun, and is not that the main thing?
We hope this advice can help you feel more confident on the beach. Please note that none of it suggests you need to be different to have a good time or enjoy that space.
