Dear Aunt Abby,
The temperature is hitting the 80s, and my anxiety is hitting the roof. Every time I open TikTok or Instagram, I’m flooded with “Summer Body” routines, bikini hauls, and toxic fitness content. I don’t look like those girls, and the thought of wearing shorts or a swimsuit to a pool party makes me want to lock myself in my air-conditioned room until October. How do I get past this body dread?
—Covered Up in June
Dear Covered Up,
Let’s get one thing straight right now: a “summer body” is just a body that happens to exist during the months of June, July, and August. Period. The multi-billion-dollar diet and fitness industry survives by making young women feel insecure the second the sun comes out so they can sell you teas, apps, and workout plans. Don’t buy into it.
The Move: Treat your social media feed like a house guest—if it makes you feel bad in your own home, kick it out. Mass-unfollow or mute any account that pushes restrictive habits or unrealistic standards. Your body is the vehicle that allows you to swim in the lake, eat ice cream with your friends, and feel the warm sun on your skin. It is an instrument for experiencing life, not an ornament for other people to look at. Wear the shorts. Go to the pool. Your friends are there to see you, not your clothing size.
Aunt Abby’s June “Summer Soul” Checklist:
- The Digital Detox: Pick one day a week (maybe “Self-Care Sunday”) to leave your phone in your room and just go exist outside. You’ll be shocked at how much your anxiety drops when you aren’t consuming other people’s lives.
- The “No-Compare” Pact: If you and your friends start complaining about your bodies or your summer jobs, gently pivot the conversation. Agree to make your hangouts a “Comparison-Free Zone.”
- Summer Soundtrack: Create a playlist that makes you feel like the main character of your own indie movie, even if you’re just driving to your shift at 7:00 AM.
Got a question for Aunt Abby? Whether it’s about navigating messy summer roommate situations, dealing with parental curfews now that you’re back home, or surviving seasonal job drama, Aunt Abby has your back! Email publisher@grandchutegazette.com to be featured in the July issue!
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