By: Dr. Neeru Bakshi, MD
Summertime means warmer temperatures and for many it also means a focus on getting “bikini-ready” for swimsuit weather. And it’s no wonder – if you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you’ve seen the celebrity magazines with cover stories about “Best and Worst Beach Bodies” and the like.
In fact, research* shows that spring and summer months are typically the time of year when eating disorders begin to crop up. Proprietary data from The Moore Center confirms that this national trend is no different in the Seattle area. The Moore Center typically sees a 30 percent increase in patient population during the warm weather months. Below are 5 simple tips to help ensure a healthy summer season and a positive body image.
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Tip #1: Join a yoga class for relaxation, a dance class for fun or an aerobics class because it makes you feel good.
Tip #2: Remove “good food, bad food” talk from your vocabulary. Remember, it’s all about moderation.
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Tip #3: Stop comparing yourself to others. Being unique is what makes our world a wonderful place.
Tip #4: Make it a priority to stay hydrated this summer. Carry a bottle of water with you every day.
Tip #5: Help others feel better about themselves - offer a friend or family member a heartfelt non-body focused compliment every day.
About the Author: Dr. Bakshi is a Board certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in adult and adolescent psychiatry, group therapy, and consultation psychiatry at The Moore Center in Bellevue, WA. The Moore Center is Washington State's longest-established eating disorders clinic, delivering caring and cost-effective treatment for adolescents, young adults and adults. www.moorecenterclinic.com
*References:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/02/fashion/sundaystyles/02BREAK.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0