How do you feel about your body?  Do you wish your stomach were flatter or your arms more toned?  Most of us, unfortunately, have been socialized to have a negative body image.  We compare our bodies to standards that are often unattainable (think air-brushed, model-thin physiques).  This time of year is notorious for arousing dislike for our bodies, as the season demands our clothing provide less coverage—shorts, sleeveless tops— and bikini season arrives.

This summer, try something new:  accept your body the way is.

As summer approaches, many of us will set unreasonable weight-loss goals and begin to diet, exercise, and engage in rapid—sometimes dangerous—methods to shape up.  However, the reality is that most diets fail.  People gain back the weight—and then some.

It is difficult to change radically your exercise routine and see results in such a short period of time.  Sensible eating and regular exercise programs are year-long, life-long commitments, and while it is never too late to start, people need to understand that crash courses simply do not work.  Fighting the clock typically ends up backfiring, if not immediately, then certainly when we loosen the reins. 

Rather than setting yourself up for disappointment, try something healthier and more long-lasting: radically change how you feel about your body. Improving body image is not about losing weight or toning up, but about learning how to accept your body the way it is. Working toward enhanced body image is associated with less anxiety and depression and greater self-esteem.