With summer upon us, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, feel the sunshine, and embrace the vibrancy of the season. But for many of us, summer can also bring about insecurities about our bodies or challenges with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you’re finding it hard to feel confident or stay on track with your well-being, know you’re not alone.
The good news is that with a few simple strategies, you can boost your confidence, adopt healthier habits, and truly enjoy everything summer has to offer.
1. Practice Self-Compassion and Body Positivity
One of the first steps to feeling good about your body this summer is embracing body positivity. We all have moments when we’re critical of ourselves, but the truth is that your body is worthy of love and appreciation, no matter what it looks like.
Start by acknowledging all the amazing things your body does for you every day. Whether it’s running, dancing, or simply carrying you through your daily activities, your body deserves gratitude. Try practicing positive self-talk and celebrate small victories like how strong you feel after a walk or how energised you feel after a healthy meal. This shift in perspective can create lasting improvements in how you view yourself.
2. Nourish Your Body with Mindful Eating
When the weather heats up, it’s easy to indulge in tempting treats like ice cream and BBQs. However, practicing mindful eating can help you make healthier choices without feeling deprived.
Try to be present while you eat, savouring every bite, and paying attention to your body’s signals. Are you hungry, or are you eating because you’re bored, stressed, or tired? Mindful eating helps you develop a deeper connection with your body’s needs, reducing emotional eating and allowing you to enjoy your food more fully.
3. Stay Active, But Have Fun With It
Summer offers countless opportunities to get active, from hiking and cycling to swimming and yoga on the beach. But the key to staying active is to choose activities you actually enjoy. This way, staying fit doesn’t feel like a chore, but rather something you look forward to.
If you’re feeling stuck in your fitness routine or lacking motivation, consider exploring new activities that excite you. Whether it’s trying out a dance class, signing up for a park run, or taking a nature walk, doing what you love will keep you moving while boosting your mood and energy.
Consider inviting a friend to join you in a class – having a commitment to doing something with someone else motivates you to stick to it.
4. Set Realistic Goals for Balance
The summer season often brings out the desire to be active and healthy, but it’s important to remember that balance is key. Setting realistic goals—whether it’s drinking more water, eating more fruit and vegetables, or getting outside each day—can help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Don’t strive for perfection; instead, aim for consistency. Even small, incremental changes can lead to big improvements in how you feel both physically and mentally.
Feeling Stuck? I’m Here to Help You Achieve Your Summer Goals
While these tips can be incredibly helpful, I understand that sometimes making lasting changes can feel challenging. If you’re struggling with body confidence, stress, or habits that seem hard to break, cognitive hypnotherapy could be the support you need to move forward.
Cognitive Hypnotherapy can help you shift limiting beliefs, reduce stress, and establish healthier habits in a way that feels natural and sustainable. If you’re ready to make a lasting change but feel like something is holding you back, I’d love to help.
As a qualified cognitive hypnotherapist, I specialise in helping clients overcome mental barriers that can stand in the way of feeling their best. Whether it’s boosting your confidence, improving your relationship with food, or finding motivation to stay active, we can work together to unlock your true potential.
If you’re ready to take that next step, get in touch to schedule a free discovery call at www.laurieharvey.co.uk.
Let’s work together to make this summer the season you feel your best—inside and out!
