If you are like me, you have felt a lot of pressure to look your best this summer. You are constantly having ideas of what your body is supposed to look like shoved down our throats. Everyone has their own opinions about what everyone's body "should" look like. Some people just don't have an opinion, which is the best thing.

If someone has something to say about your body and the way it's "supposed" to look, don't let them. Don't listen to them. If you are happy with your body, no one should tell you otherwise.

If you want to make a change, you can go make that change. You shouldn't just listen to everyone's opinions about your body. I don't know how often I will say this, but there is no such thing as the "perfect body."

It can be so much pressure sometimes, but I just want to let all of that go. I am here to show you everything I've learned.

I am fully aware that not everyone is "in love" with their body, and that's 100% okay. I fall into this category. It can be hard to be a teen, so I have some tips for you and a motivational message.

Practice Self-Care

Remember to take care of yourself. When you work on yourself, you will feel more confident in your skin. You need to trust yourself, and I need you to treat yourself.

Go for a walk or a dip in a pool. Take a bath, and get yourself a sweet treat. Do what you need to do to feel good. I want you to feel good in your body! Do whatever it takes for your body and your mind—this can be literally anything!

Personally, I love to swim and read, so I do those things for self-care. I try to be conscious of what my body needs, and I need this to be happy.

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Replace the Negative Thoughts

We all get these negative, belittling thoughts, but our goal is to substitute them with positive ones. Focus on what your body can do and what you love about your body. Even the little things count, and they can fight the negative thoughts.

These thoughts can sneak up on you, and you have to combat those thoughts with good things about yourself. Maybe something like "I like my eyes." Something as small as that can distract your brain from producing negative thoughts. I like focusing on my strengths and what my body and mind can do. Just refocus the attention somewhere else.

Limit your Social Media Exposure

Social media has a lot of edited content. These posts don't show the diversity and uniqueness that we all have. The more time you spend on social media, the more time these posts have to influence your view on positive body image.

A positive body image does not mean the perfect body. It is super important that you know that. There is no such thing as the perfect body! Social media can brainwash you into thinking that, but it isn't true.

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Celebrate Diversity

Remember that beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes. There isn't one type or size that fits all. There are so many different sizes, and they are all beautiful.

Diversity is what makes us uniquely beautiful. Trust me!

Don't belittle those who showcase their bodies differently. Not every person has the same body as you. Their body is just theirs. Remember to empower each other; don't put each other down!

All of the celebrities and different influencers have different body shapes. These body shape differences don't stop them from connecting to their fans and doing well in whatever they do.

Do you ever see a cast of the same body type in any movie or show you watch? No! That never happens.

Diversity is so important, and you need to be aware of that. The body types add something wonderful to your favorite show or movie.

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My Personal Connection

Positive body image is so important to me because I understand what it's like not to fully like my body for what it is. I can't 100% say that I love everything about my body, but I am getting there. I've used these tips to really learn to accept my body. I hope that these tips will help you conquer all of your body image struggles.

Positive body image is so hard to have, and it takes so much to develop about yourself. But I know you can do it. Positive body image is a journey! Much like anything, the journey is what matters.

A Little Motivation Before You Go

As teens, we are at a wonky stage where everything is changing, and it doesn't always feel the best. It is so easy to feel insecure or to compare ourselves to others. I think it's important for you to feel confident in your body.

Sometimes, you have to fake confidence until you develop that confidence. The confidence will catch up!

You need to know that not everybody is the same, and not everyone is looking at you and your body. It might feel like everyone is looking at you and your body, but it isn't true.

Your "flaws" aren't flaws; they are what make you beautiful. The things that you don't like about your body are what make you unique and different. Remember that different doesn't mean bad.

Respect your body and eventually learn to love it. I hope you all have a confident, wonderful summer. You can learn to trust that your body is beautiful!

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