"In summer I'm simply more self-confident – and at the same time I feel more visible, more vulnerable…" - does that sound familiar?
You're not alone in feeling this ambivalent – summer can bring out both our radiance (that famous glow) and our insecurities. Psychologically speaking, this even makes sense.
The summer glow is real
Longer days, more sunlight – that means more serotonin and dopamine. These two neurotransmitters promote a good mood, increase energy, and boost self-confidence. Sunlight therefore has a direct effect on your brain and thus on your self-image.
Add to that: more exercise outdoors (hello endorphins), better blood circulation, more sensory experiences. All of this creates a physical euphoria – no wonder we're glowing.
Psychological studies (e.g., Mead, 2008) confirm that sunlight can demonstrably have a positive influence on self-esteem. So it's not just about appearance – biopsychology is at work here; and we can use that to our advantage.
But visibility can also create pressure.
Summer also means showing skin. Shorts, bikinis, invitations to events. The feeling of being "seen" can be stressful – especially in a climate full of beauty ideals and body norms.
Surveys from Switzerland also show that many people (especially women) feel increased pressure to be "summer-ready" during the summer months – which often leads to self-doubt.
Flip the Script: How to develop a healthy, psychologically sound summer mindset
Instead of focusing on our perceived flaws, we practice being "kind to our bodies" - with 3 strategies from psychology:
1. Talk to your body like you would to your best friend – or your 13-year-old self.
Our inner critic is loud. But would you make a negative comment about your best friend's body? No. That's why "My arms don't look good" becomes "These arms hug my loved ones, carry them, and do yoga. Thank you, arms!"
2. Don't focus on appearance, but on beautiful experiences – because summer is full of them.
Sun on your face, salt on your skin, the sea breeze in your nose. Jogging in the woods with your favorite playlist. Conversations on the balcony until midnight. These are the true highlights of summer. They make you happy, vibrant, connected. And that's exactly what beauty radiates – not your reflection.
3. Curate your social media feed
Let's be honest, we've wanted to do it for a long time; now is the perfect moment: Unfollow accounts that show you an unrealistic picture of bodies, vacations, or lifestyles. Instead, follow people who have a message; who show real skin, real bodies, real life, and real joy.
And what if we still compare ourselves?
Welcome to the club – we all do it, we're human. What matters is what we make of it. Here too, we can be kind to ourselves; observe the thought without judgment, like, "Ah, a comparison." And let it pass. Thoughts aren't reality – they reflect our subjective perception. And we can only let go of feelings when we allow ourselves to feel them.
And if you're stuck: make a little body gratitude list. What has your body done for you today? What do you like about yourself – beyond your appearance?
Our goal for this summer? A new definition of beauty.
Beauty does not mean being flawless – but rather the feeling of freedom, of presence, and of kindness – not least towards our bodies and ourselves.
This summer, the best trend is your attitude: experiencing summer as it feels – and not as we should look in it.