Love your shell-f! [Letter to the Editor]

Thabazimbi - Society often sets beauty standards that compromise the mental health of many individuals. The idea of the perfect ‘summer body’ frequently suggests that individuals need to have a certain structure to be approved for the summer season. In many cases this ideal strives for slimmer bodies.  For this summer, I want to remind people that unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health. Embracing body positivity starts with one’s thoughts and words towards one’s physical appearance. Your size and shape should not be influenced by societal expectations for a certain season, it should be entirely up to you to feel good about your body. If one has plans to workout or work on one’s health, one must be motivated all year-round for the right reasons.  

Let’s change the narrative and promote self-confidence without shaming our bodies according to seasonal influence. Accepting our appearances and feeling good about our health choices is where we can start. 

#HelloSummer!