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Summertime is coming and with it, we'll experience (hopefully!) a boost in outside time, sunshine and lazy afternoons by the river (or ocean or pool!). It's time to get you feeling strong and confident so you can rock that bikini in post quarantine style.
In prior years, articles may have touted "ways to get bikini ready" or "how to get in shape for bikini season", but it's 2020, which means we're moving past obsessing over making people look a certain way, and instead we've turned the focus on FEELING a certain way–good!
With "bikini-season" fast approaching, here are five go-to tips on how to feel more confident in your swimsuit:
1. Smile
Your optimism and enthusiasm radiate beauty into the world. This simple task will make you feel better about yourself and how you feel in your body. Smiling is the EASIEST way to make others feel good too!
Just by smiling, your body naturally releases feel-good hormones like endorphins, making you feel happier and more confident.
2. Workout
We all know exercise has a plethora of health benefits and we all love getting in our daily workout. Releasing more of those endorphins improves your mood, increases energy, and can ease menstrual cramps.
Exercise reduces stress, increases your lifespan, and boosts your immune systems. Challenge yourself to move a little more each day, even with just 10 minutes of stretching or going a bit longer on your daily walk. You'll naturally feel more confident when wearing that cute new bikini.
3. Take a Mirror Vacation
That’s it—simply take a break from the mirror. Designate a period of time in which you don’t look in any mirrors. It’s tough but it’s an opportunity to practice not judging yourself. This can be a great stress reducer and time saver.
If I never looked in the mirror, I wouldn’t even have the chance to judge my body. It’s easier to focus on just being the wonderful person that you are, all judgments left at home with that sparkly piece of reflective glass.
4. Focus on Joy
It's important to incorporate joy into our lives - every day and in every moment we can. Every morning, write one thing that you can look forward to that day. Then take the time to enjoy it!
Whether it's enjoying a cup of coffee in the sun as you listen to the birds or reading a chapter of your new favorite book in the afternoon, focus your attention on what makes this activity feel good.
Instead of primping and preening in front of the mirror, it's important for us to consciously choose to feel good in our body. And do things that feel good.
5. Post Encouraging Words & Mantras Everywhere
The words we tell ourselves have a direct impact on how we feel about ourselves. Women, especially, are so attuned to brushing off compliments and speaking poorly about themselves. We must work at incorporating positive self-talk into our daily lives.
The practice of saying affirmations and mantras helps to keep your mind engaged with the present moment and tuned into the positive. By posting these little positive reminders around your home, and work spaces, you'll constantly be reminded to practice encouraging self-talk instead of deprecating yourself.
Some of my favorites:
"I am enough"
"I am an inspiration to others"
"I am strong, capable and resilient"
"I love myself" or "I'm learning to love myself"
"I am full of energy, vitality and love"
The key is to say things that feel true to you. If it doesn't feel true to say "I love my body", say "I am willing to love my body".
Use these tools to increase your confidence, own your strength, and get ready for some fun in the sun! You can pick out your bikini now.
Sensi Graves is a professional kiteboarder, speaker and entrepreneur. In 2007, Sensi tentatively signed up for a kiteboarding lesson in North Carolina’s Outer Banks and immediately fell in love. Just two years later, she applied to be a kiteboarding coach, relocated to the East Coast, and started collecting accolades. She launched her swimsuit apparel line, Sensi Graves Bikinis, to meet the demands of her sport (after losing one too many string bikinis in the surf, she decided to tackle the job herself and design suits that actually stay on in rough conditions). Today, Sensi's mission is to empower women in watersports and help them find more confidence and belief in themselves. Follower her on Instagram at @sensigraves and @sensibikinis