Body-positive mantras to destroy the ‘bikini body' mindset

Maddy McKennaon 14 July 2021
woman swimming

Having a 'bikini body' is just a myth. And here's why.

The phrase ‘bikini body’ is often thrown around as a way to pressure people, mainly women, to lose weight over the summer. This mindset is toxic and can be damaging for many people. We want to redefine beauty and quash the narrative that you can only wear a bikini if you fit into a certain size. 

As body positivity movements over recent years have tried to showcase and instil in mainstream media, all body types are beautiful. Every single body is a ‘bikini body’ if there’s a bikini involved. But of course, this is about more than just wearing a bikini. It’s about feeling confident in your body and wearing what you want to, regardless of your size.

Here are body positivity reminders to erase ‘bikini body’ culture from your life. 

There is no such thing as the perfect body

Take a look at the world around you - there is no such thing as the ‘perfect body’. Of course, advertising often tries to teach us that slim sells. Don’t follow pages or influencers that promote this narrative. Instead, follow people of all shapes who promote body positivity. 

Confidence is sexy

Let’s be real, nothing is sexier than confidence. If you wear your clothes with confidence, heads will turn. 

Don’t beat yourself up 

Bodies change and there’s nothing wrong with that. Whether you’ve grown taller, put on weight or your feet have shrunk, there are many factors that can cause changes. Celebrate being uniquely you. 

Bikini season only comes around once a year

You are in charge of what you wear. If wearing a bikini or swimming costume makes you uncomfortable, then you don’t have to wear it. Why change your body for the one week of the year when we’re blessed with the sun? 

I decide what makes me happy

While we are bombarded with diet tips and new workouts, especially on social media, recognise that only you can change your lifestyle. You decide what makes you happy.

Are you happy with the way you are living right now? If yes, you don’t need to change a thing. If not, think of little ways you can alter your life that doesn’t involve dieting and increasing your workout time. How about cutting down on screen time, reading more or listening to a podcast?

I deserve to have fun

Having endured the pandemic we all deserve some fun this summer. Whether going to the beach, sunbathing in the park or finally going on that tropical holiday you were meant to go on last year, you shouldn’t let anything stop you from having the time of your life. And, if it makes you feel any better, you’ll probably never see your fellow holiday-makers again. 

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that life is fragile and that we have to live in the present. Instead of feeling guilty for having a takeaway or not working out, try to appreciate your body and treat it well. Remember, you only have one body. Why obsess over changing it?

So, throw on that bikini, lather on the sunscreen and live your best life. Just be you.

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Maddy McKennaon 14 July 2021