Now that the longer, lighter days are here, we naturally start thinking about summer plans including garden parties, BBQs and beach holidays (especially as it looks like there will be fewer or even no restrictions on gatherings again this year, hurrah!).

But for many of us, this also means that we start to feel concerned about ourselves and how we might look in shorts and vest tops. One of the most comforting things about the winter is the fact that we can ‘cover up’ and not have to worry about things such as our thighs or upper arms. 

However, we’re here to tell you that you are beautiful. You, with all your uniqueness and things that make up you, are beautiful. And because you’re here, owning your goals, you’re also strong, too. But we understand that us telling you that, won’t always make you make you feel as self-confident as you’d like. So here’s our top tips on feeling more confident as the summer approaches…

• Forget the concept of a “bikini body”, because all bodies are bikini bodies, that’s why bikinis don’t just come in one size. If you have curves and you feel like you “shouldn’t” be wearing a bikini or a swimsuit on holiday or at the swimming pool, then try following body positivity accounts on social media that celebrate bodies of all shapes and sizes. You might find them empowering enough to make you change your mindset. Besides, curves are beautiful, so choose a bikini or swimsuit that really works for your shape, that for example nips your waist in or makes the most of your bountiful bosom.
• On the topic of social media, unfollow or mute any accounts that make you feel bad about yourself, negative or inferior. Here’s no place here for those! These include celebrities as well as people you know personally. Your social media is your place, you deserve for it to be filled with positivity, and no one has the right to tell you who you can follow or choose not to follow. 
• A strong body doesn’t mean a skinny body. Strong means that you’ve been working on your muscle tone. So now that it’s spring, start adding weights to your workout routines to build on your lean muscle mass. Think what you could achieve in the next two months!
• Being confident isn’t just in how we look or about body positivity – we can work on our mindset to make us feel more confident inside, and that will shine out of us like sunshine. Celebrate the things you like about yourself, and that other people compliment you on. Practising affirmations is also a way of repeatedly telling ourselves how we’ve earned our place in this world. 
• Working on our skin can also do us a world of good! So, take some time to exfoliate away all the dry skin of winter using a loofah, mitt or exfoliating shower cream. Then fake it until you make it! With a tan we mean. If you have light skin and feel better with a tan, apply a fake tan and you’ll look sun kissed even if the sun isn’t making an appearance. 

This summer is YOURS, so go out there and grab it with all your might!