The sun’s out, pools are open, and vacations are planned. While most people can’t wait to spend their summer days lounging by the pool or beach, some people fear the highly anticipated moment of taking their coverup off and revealing their body in a bathing suit. Silly, right? All this stress over an action that takes only a couple of seconds to complete.

Well, to those worrying about what others will think of their “summer body”, it’s not the action of revealing their body that’s so intimidating. It’s the reaction from that action that can be so worrisome. Will people think I’m fat? Will people notice that I haven’t been to the gym recently? Will people compare me to the tall 00 blonde rocking her two piece with confidence next to me?

Truth be told, who knows. But most importantly, who cares. Ultimately, we’re our own worst critics. If you’re judging your body before anyone else has the chance to, you’ve already set yourself up for failure. A huge part of how others view you derives from how you view yourself. If you embrace your body, others will embrace your body. Confidence is truly contagious.

And to let you in on another secret, there is no such thing as a “summer body”. We don’t have a “winter body”, so why does the concept of a “summer body” even exist? A “summer body” simply serves as a fictional mold created by society encouraging girls and boys alike to do anything and everything to get that six pack in time for bikini season. God gave each and every one of us a body capable of so many wonderful things. Bodies capable of so much more than merely looking attractive in a bathing suit. So rather than working towards a “summer body” let’s work towards a healthy body.

A healthy body starts with a healthy mind. Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Tend to your mental needs just as you would your physical needs. You wouldn’t leave a wounded arm without a band aid, so don’t leave a damaged mind without the proper care either. With the right mind sight, the rest will follow.

Listen to your body. If you like working out, workout! If you’re too tired to workout, give yourself a break. If you’re hungry, eat. You wouldn’t let your car run on empty, don’t let your body run on empty.

It’s not about having the perfect “summer body”, it’s about having a healthy one. Remember that your body does not define you, it’s what you do with your body that does. Use it wisely, you’re lucky to have it. Love yourself.