The spring begins as the snow melts, and the days become warmer and longer. The flowers and trees bloom, winter coats return to closets, and spring break brings college students to beautiful locations. However, springtime may cause negative thoughts about one’s body image for those with an eating disorder.
By: Regina Colie
We live in a society where social media dictates how we view ourselves and the lives of others. After all, influencer culture fills our feeds with photos that perpetuate diet culture and disordered eating. However, as the spring months arrive, the increased ads and photos featuring people in swimsuits and warmer attire enhance the desire for the so-called “perfect body.” Individuals struggling with an eating disorder may not find the same comfort in shedding their layers as the weather changes, especially if they get trapped in a negative mindset about their appearance. “Feeling insecure in one’s appearance or looks can ensnare a woman or man in a cloud of negativity and self-doubt” (Karges, 2017). As we experience more sun and hotter temperatures in the coming months, here are some tips to help navigate body image issues during the spring.
Stop Comparing Yourself To Others
It is easy to find yourself comparing how you look with how others appear, either by walking past them on the street or liking their photo on Instagram. As we approach April and May, the term “spring aesthetic” will come into play, convincing individuals that they must cater their appearance to fit the mold during this season. “Rather than compare yourself to others, train yourself to think positively about your body and to love yourself for the body you have” (Shades of Hope, 2013). Changing your mindset surrounding your body image can help you think more positively about who you are and what makes you unique during the springtime. Remember, shifting your mindset is not a one-and-done process. It takes time and practice, but the more energy you put into thinking about yourself with respect and compassion, the more natural it will become.
Avoid Diet Culture Posts And Conversations
Diet culture has become part of the narrative surrounding how we talk about food. There are endless amounts of diets that promote “healthy eating,” especially in spring, but these cause more harm than good. The pressure to have a body that fits society’s standards can feel overwhelming and often leads to disordered behaviors that become eating disorders. Tuning out the people and companies who try to sell you the “perfect diet” to help you achieve the “best body” for the spring allows for a healthier mindset to help you make happy memories as the flowers blossom.
Wear Clothes That Make You Feel Comfortable
If you are not ready to wear short sleeves and skirts, that’s okay! The spring can be unpredictable. You may need a coat and boots as the weather transitions. In the meantime, try on clothes for the season in a comfortable setting, like your bedroom. See how you feel wearing these outfits, and pay attention if you experience any anxiety. “The objective is for the person to wear shorts in a comfortable environment. Once that individual feels more comfortable wearing shorts inside their bedroom or home, it’s time to widen the area” (Hunnicutt, 2020). By completing this experience, individuals can increase their exposure and self-confidence.
If you or someone you love is struggling with food and body distress, getting support as we move into the warmer months is vital. BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ is now offering a short-term Spring Break Program to help you navigate this season without taking a leave of absence from school or work. This 12-day intensive will allow you to boost your recovery journey with BALANCE’s premier treatment.
Join BALANCE’s Founder and CEO, Melainie Rogers (she/her), for a FREE Webinar: Taking On Body Image: What Influences Body Image and How to Heal Your Own on Friday, March 10th, at 11:30 am EST to learn what body image is and what influences yours, identify how your body image plays a role in how you experience life, and more. Register for this webinar here.
Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Book a free consultation call with our admissions team below, or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Contributor, Regina Colie (she/her).
Regina Colie is currently pursuing her Masters in General Psychology at The New School For Social Research. She is interested in working with women who have eating disorders and postpartum depression. Upon her graduation from Marymount Manhattan College, she had the opportunity to be published in Dr. Nava Silton’s book, The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child, Adolescent, and Adult Development. Her previous work has been featured in Project HEAL, BALANCE, Olive Branch Nutrition, and Nourishing NY.
References
Karges, C. (2017, February 23). Poor Body Image Can Prevent You from Living Life. Eating Disorder Hope. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/body-image/poor-body-image-can-prevent-you-from-living-life
Effects of Spring Break on Body Image. (2013, March 15). Shades of Hope. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://shadesofhope.com/effects-of-spring-break-on-body-image/
Hunnicutt, C. (2020, September 30). Here’s Why Springtime Isn’t Always Welcomed by Some People. Monte Nido. Retrieved March 5, 2023, from https://www.montenido.com/springtime/
