END THE COMPARISON GAME
Take pride in the fact you’re unique
Would you, in all honesty, be happy to strip off right now for the beach? If it’s a ‘yes’, go for it! But I think I speak for most women when I say, for me, it’d be something of a challenge. And yet, I’m pleased to report the tide has finally turned when it comes to body and beach confidence. You probably remember the turning point a few years ago, when protests against the ‘Are You Beach Body Ready?’ adverts on the London Underground went viral. Since then, the Body Positive Movement has boomed and evolved. ‘Right now is such an interesting time,’ says Lucy Sheridan, aka The Comparison Coach, who specialises in helping clients get over the ‘comparison trap’ and create their own sense of self and confidence. ‘People are finally starting to feel a lot more accepting of all kinds of bodies.’
Summer, and especially swimwear season, says Sheridan, is a big time for body issues and comparison to kick in. ‘But when these opportunities present themselves, remind yourself that you are sitting in a body someone else would love to have.’ And – this is key – remember you are so much more than your size, she says. You might actually feel relieved to know almost everyone has something they don’t like about their body, as Jules Von Hep, tanning guru and co-founder of the Isle of Paradise range, revealed on his podcast Wobble, ‘Whenever anyone gets into the booth, they say “sorry”. Whatever their shape or size – they could even be a Victoria’s Secret model – they apologise for their appearance.’
Sheridan hears this, too. ‘It’s not just about how big we are or how much weight we’re carrying. Body judgements come up in all ways. But it’s helpful to zoom out from the focus on just your body. It’s tragic that swimwear could overshadow all the potential memories from a great summer.’ The antidote to this? Gratitude. ‘See yourself having fun in the departure lounge with your kids, or laughing with your partner during an evening meal. Be grateful for the experience itself!’