The media plays such an influential role in our lives, especially when it comes to body image. Now that summer is in full swing there are constant advertisements for gym memberships and dieting companies so that you can get your "beach body" and be "bikini ready." But what even is a "beach body?"
The media has shaped our minds to think that we, girls especially, have to have the perfectly skinny and fit body in order to wear a bikini. When in reality a "beach body" is simply any body that is at the beach. It doesn't matter what your body looks like there are no limitations to the type of bathing suit you wear. Body image is such a struggle for girls due to the media putting these unrealistic expectations out there for everyone to see without realizing its effects. Some girls put themselves through extreme measures just to achieve these unrealistic goal that are set by the media, instead of learning to love themselves the way they are.
Because of this pressure put on young girls they become so insecure and self conscience which in turn makes them restricts themselves. "Oh, I don't have a flat stomach so I can't be seen at the beach in a bikini." False. There are no regulations on who can and cannot wear a bikini. Believe it or not, most people don't care how you look in a bathing suit. "But people stare at me when I'm in a bikini and it makes me self conscious." For all you know, they could be looking at you out of jealousy because they think your suit is super cute. This notion of overthinking can be deadly and is limiting yourself to endless possibilities.
Sure it can be hard to overcome this fear, but once you take a step back and stop caring less about what others think and focus more on yourself, your whole perspective on life can be changed. You gain confidence and make your own decisions without thinking twice about it. These are characteristics that are being repressed due to the media which is devastating. So just remember, it doesn't matter what others think of you and your "beach body" because every body is a beach body. Now go slip into that bikini you have been hesitant about wearing and rock it.
