How to Stop Fretting Over Swimsuit Season

The winter coats have been tucked away, the sun is stretching a little longer each evening, and the kids are already dreaming of beach days and poolside popsicles. It should be a season of joy–but for many of us, that first glimpse of a swimsuit makes us deflate like last year’s inner tube.

Maybe you’ve felt it, too–excited about summer plans, but there’s a quiet dread in the back of your mind… 

The way your body looks. 

The way you feel in your skin. 

The way food seems to take center stage in your thoughts this time of year.

Your first hunch may be to start looking for a new diet–but deep down, you know where that road leads–restriction, frustration, and another summer overshadowed by food rules and body shame.

But, sis, this doesn’t have to be your story.

The Real Problem Isn’t Your Body

We live in a culture that links our body’s shape and size with self-worth. We’ve been conditioned to believe that our weight somehow defines our health, happiness, and success. That if we could just shed a few pounds, we’d be joyful. Free. Content. 

But here’s the thing: God and His Word don’t equate true joy, freedom, or contentment to an external circumstance. Rather, these are gifts from our Heavenly Father that spring from our hearts. 

When we open the Word, we see His heart. He doesn’t focus on waistlines or jean sizes. Instead, He cultivates our heart. 

“For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 KJV

God isn’t waiting for you to hit your weight loss goals before He calls you beloved. He already delights in you, right here, right now–your food struggles, body baggage, and all. 

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

So, what’s the real issue?

The problem lies with us adopting worldly ideas about our worth and value. That’s why dieting can never get to the root of discontentment.  

Dieting Doesn’t Fix the Insecurity

In our efforts to “fix” our bodies, we often turn to diets. Restriction. Hustle. 

We vow to lose ten pounds before vacation, start a new workout plan, or give up sugar cold turkey. And maybe those things seem to work–for a little bit.

But more often than not, they leave us in an endless loop of frustration. 

Each failed attempt adds another layer of shame. 

Our relationship with food becomes more complicated. 

And, we feel even more disconnected from our bodies.

Dieting only exacerbates the problem but somehow, leaves you taking the blame.

There’s got to be a better way!

A Better Way: Grace-Filled Habits That Last

So what do you do if you truly want to feel better in your body this summer?

You start small and you start with grace.

Instead of overhauling your entire life (which is a recipe for disaster), try this: 

Pick one or two sustainable habits that make you feel good physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

It could be: 

• Adding a fruit or veggie to each meal
• Taking a short walk after dinner
• Drinking more water throughout the day
• Practicing a morning prayer or gratitude habit

These tiny shifts, over time, build trust with your body and peace with food. They’re not about changing your body to be “acceptable” to people whose opinions don’t matter. They’re about honoring the body God already calls good (Genesis 1:31).

And, when the pressure creeps in–that voice that says you need to do more, lose more, be more–you can gently remind yourself: You’re already on the right path.

You’re building something sustainable. 

Something grace-filled. 

Something that lasts longer than swimsuit season.

Something that gets your eyes back where they belong–Jesus.

Get Your Eyes Off Yourself and Back on Jesus

We were never meant to live with our eyes fixed on ourselves. Yes, we’re called to love ourselves—but that love is meant to fuel our ability to love others well (Matthew 22:39).

When we stop obsessing over our appearance and start focusing on what God has called us to do, we experience a joy like no other. Suddenly, our bodies become a blessing—vessels that allow us to serve, love, and live fully.

Lift your eyes.

Today, I challenge you to look up from the mirror and into the face of the One who made you. See the admiration in His eyes. Feel His approving smile.

Then look around at His creation—the warmth of the sun, the laughter of children, the shimmer of water on a summer day.

These are gifts we don’t want to miss because we’re too distracted by insecurity.

Let gratitude lead you. Thank God for your legs that carry you through the sand, your arms that hug your kids tight, your eyes that take in the beauty around you and remember–you’re not the only one who struggles.

Be a Light to Others (Even at the Beach)

If you’ve ever caught yourself judging others (or yourself) at the beach, you’re not alone. It’s a human temptation.

We compare. 

We critique. 

We criticize. 

And in the end, everybody loses.

But what if, instead, you became a woman of encouragement?

You may not interact with every person around you, but you can:

• Compliment a stranger with a kind smile
• Pray for that little girl splashing in the water
• Ask God to help someone near you feel His love

When you start looking outward instead of inward, your swimsuit insecurity starts to shrink. Not because your body changed, but because your heart did.

You Can Dress in a Way That Feels Good

Now let’s be clear: embracing body confidence doesn’t mean ignoring your preferences or pretending you don’t care.

It’s totally okay to want to feel good in what you wear. That can be part of treating your body with kindness.

You might:

• Order several swimsuits online (Walmart and Amazon have great options!) and try them on at home
• Find a cute cover-up, hat, or wrap
• Paint your nails or shave your legs if it helps you feel fresh, confident, and cared for.

These aren’t about vanity. They’re about celebrating the body God gave you, caring for it, and stepping into summer with joy instead of dread.

What Summer Is Really About

It’s easy to forget, but summer isn’t about your size.

It’s about making memories. It’s about praising God for the beauty of His creation. It’s about slowing down, laughing more, and letting your soul breathe.

Your worth isn’t found in a reflection or a number on a tag. It’s found in Christ alone.

So go ahead:

• Splash in the waves.
• Sit in the sand.
• Join the kids in the pool.
• Be present.

Let this be the summer you stop stressing over swimsuit season and start savoring the freedom Jesus died to give you.

You are loved. You are seen. You are enough.

You don’t need to change your body to enjoy this season–you just need to rest in the One who made it.

Podcast Episode and Show Notes

As excited as you are to plan your summer vacation to the beach and get ready for as many trips to the pool as you can pack in…your heart still sinks. Because oh, your swimsuit!

In this episode, get some practical tips to start using now so you can stop feeling anxious over swimsuit season, and fully enjoy it instead!

In “Stop Fretting Over Swimsuit Season,” we discuss:

• The real reason why swimsuit season rocks your world.
• A God-centered approach to thinking about swimsuit season.
• Practical tips for how to feel better about swimsuit season.

Links mentioned:

• Overcoming Weight Loss Idols Freebie
• For a deep dive, check out Grace Filled Plate Platinum and be sure to get on the waiting list

You may also love:

• Body Image Makeover
• Episode 11: Should Christian Women Try to Lose Weight to “Look Better”
• Episode 17: What you NEED to Know About Christian Body Image

Get a FREEBIE:

• Get your FREE Faith [is greater than] Food Email Course

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