Please note that this is an Archived article and may contain content that is out of date. The use of she/her/hers pronouns in some articles is not intended to be exclusionary. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.

By Quinn Nystrom, MS

Summer is here—and with it comes the pressure to “look good” in less clothing. As temperatures climb, so does anxiety for many of us struggling with body image. Suddenly, the world seems to demand that we shrink, tone, and tan ourselves into Instagram-worthy beach bodies. But here’s the truth: your worth isn’t seasonal, and confidence doesn’t come in a size.

The heat doesn’t care about your insecurities—and frankly, neither should you.

Over 15 years ago, I competed in the Miss America pageant system for six years. I was told over and over that it had nothing to do with how you looked in the swimsuit competition, but how confident you were on stage. This was a scholarship and talent competition. With much therapy and treatment for my bulimia, I can 100% say that they lied. Being their form of what they found acceptable (a thin ideal) was a prerequisite, not an afterthought. For years, the trauma of the comments I was told by judges, pageant directors, spectators, and anonymous people who hid behind their computers haunted me. I believed my body needed to be pageant-ready if I was to wear a bathing suit. I had my first baby, beautiful Beau, 18 months ago. He was delivered via C-section. This summer, as radical as it is to my former self, I’ve never felt more confident in a bathing suit. What matters to me now isn’t how I think others judge my physical appearance, but instead having fun in the sun and on Minnesota lakes with a baby I thought I could never have. The smile I faked on stage was just a mask for my misery. The smile that’s on my face now as I hold my son (in a swimsuit) is about pure joy and gratefulness.

Ditch the “Summer Body” Myth

The phrase “summer body” is a trap. It implies your current body isn’t good enough for a swimsuit or shorts. But let’s be clear: if you have a body and it’s summer, you have a summer body. Period. The fitness industry might profit off your insecurities, but you don’t have to buy into it—literally or figuratively.

This summer, challenge the myth. Refuse to punish your body with crash diets or hide it under layers out of shame. Wear the swimsuit. Wear the tank top. Sweat in peace.

Dress for Comfort, Not Criticism

Don’t let fear of judgment force you into long sleeves and dark colors in 90-degree weather. That discomfort isn’t worth it. People might look—some might even judge. But their opinions say more about them than about you.

Every time you choose comfort over hiding, you’re telling your body: I care more about how you feel than how others see you. That’s powerful.

Curate Your Social Feed, Not Your Body

Feeling triggered every time you scroll? It’s not you—it’s the algorithm. Unfollow accounts that make you feel “less than.” Fill your feed with body-diverse creators who celebrate themselves in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. Seeing people who look like you living fully and confidently can be a game-changer.

Remember: comparison is a thief, and your joy deserves better.

Reframe the Mirror Talk

It’s easy to spiral in front of a mirror or camera. Instead of nitpicking, practice neutral or positive self-talk. Start small: “This is my body today, and it’s allowed to take up space.” Over time, those small acts of kindness grow into resilience.

You don’t need to love every inch of yourself to respect your body. Aim for appreciation over perfection.

Focus on the Why

Why do you want to wear that swimsuit? To cool off? To swim with your kids? To feel the sun on your skin? Those are beautiful reasons. Your body is your vehicle—not your enemy—for experiencing summer joy.

Don’t let insecurity hold you back from creating memories.

The heat doesn’t wait for self-acceptance—and neither should you. Confidence isn’t about having a “perfect” body; it’s about refusing to let shame dictate your comfort or joy. This summer, show up as you are. You belong in the sun, the water, and the world—just as you are.

So take a deep breath, grab your favorite outfit, and step into the season with courage. You deserve nothing less.