How To Have A Body Positive Vacation
A vacation is supposed to inspire feelings of excitement, relaxation, and rejuvenation. But for some women, may stir up some anxiety instead. Slipping into a bathing suit, savoring more lavish meals — these are the kinds of indulgences that many vacations are made of. However, they can make it challenging to stay in a body positive frame of mind.
So if you find that you’re stressing about your body image prior to an upcoming trip, here are some tactics you should keep in mind to ensure that you actually enjoy your travels:
Follow body positive accounts on social media
Ahead of your vacation, seek out body-positive women to follow on social media. Instagram and other social networks are littered with photos of unrealistic “bikini bodies” that can cause you to feel insecure when you start comparing yourself to them. It’s important to remember that every body is a bikini body — and follow women of all shapes and sizes who reinforce that idea. Don’t know where to start? We love the posts that show up on the page for the hashtag #EveryBodyIsBeautiful.
Keep moving
Taking some time away from the gym is not only acceptable on vacation, but encouraged. It’s totally OK to give your body a break — besides, muscles can only repair themselves and get stronger if you let them rest! Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t find other ways to exercise in a way that will benefit you.
For example, a swim in the hotel pool could be an invigorating way to start your day. Or, a hike through a local forest could be an awesome way to break a sweat while exploring the local environment. Why not scope out the nightlife scene and go dancing with your friends? Even just walking around while sightseeing is an excellent form of exercise. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you genuinely enjoy it. Vacation is not a time for forcing yourself to do obligatory workouts.
Related: 4 Body Positivity Tips For Embracing Beach Season
Splurge on a stunning swimsuit
Every woman deserves to have a bathing suit that she feels — and looks — fabulous in. In fact, it’s much smarter to invest in one quality swimsuit that fits your body flawlessly than to have a whole arsenal of mediocre ones you dread putting on. If you’re large-busted, for example, consider seeking out a swimsuit from a line that makes tops with traditional band/cup bra sizing.
If you’re shopping for a bikini, look for separates instead of sets so you can ensure you get the perfect fit on both the top and the bottom. Remember: The right bathing suit depends on your body type, but once you find the right one, you’ll be strutting down the beach with confidence in no time.
Be mindful
Mindfulness is one of the key components of body positivity. It’s all about staying aware and in the moment — thus preventing negative self-talk from sneakily creeping in. Luckily, vacation actually presents a phenomenal opportunity to practice mindfulness.
For one, a trip offers a chance to detox a bit from your digital devices. Of course, it may not be realistic to completely power them down — you may have loved ones you’re keeping in touch with or photos you’d like to share. However, it’s advisable to shut down your phone, tablet, etc. for at least a few hours each day. The less time you spend scrolling through texts, emails, and social media news feeds, the more you’ll be able to be present in your body.
Speaking of being present, vacation is a great time to start (or continue) meditating. Try starting your morning with at least 5 minutes of meditation, focusing on your breath and setting an intention for the day. This will help you to stay in a body positive frame of mind by flushing out any toxic thoughts that could be clouding your self-image. If those negative thoughts do come up, write them down in a journal — releasing them onto a page will hopefully get them out of your head while still allowing you to acknowledge them instead of trying to stuff them down.
Ultimately, mindful travel is about eliminating as many distractions as possible so that you can bring your full attention to all of your experiences.
While it might sound easier said than done, it is possible to take a body positive vacation. Try adopting the aforementioned strategies and you’re sure to feel calmer and more confident throughout your travels.
Related: How To Find The Most Flattering Swimsuit For Your Shape
We Highly Recommend
If you’re shopping for a swimsuit that fits your bust perfectly, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find swimsuit tops that stay in place, especially when you’re shopping on your own. If you’re full-busted and you’ve struggled with finding a flattering swimsuit top or if you’ve never tried a bra-sized swim top before, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.
Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings and carry a selection of swimsuits and swimsuit tops. Their expert bra fitters can help take the pain and frustration out of swimsuit shopping and do all the work for you. They can help you find a bra-sized swimsuit top with the support and lift that you’re looking for and they can also help you find new everyday bras that fit well and feel good. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best swimsuits are hiding.
If you’re not happy with the swimsuits in your closet, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.
Happy swimsuit shopping!
