For many people, summer is marketed as a season of freedom, adventure, and relaxation. Social media feeds are filled with beach photos, tropical vacations, backyard barbecues, and endless reminders to soak up every moment of sunshine. While summer can certainly bring joy and excitement, it can also trigger a surprising amount of anxiety. The “summer scaries” are definitely real, and they often show up in ways that don’t get talked about nearly enough.

If I were to ask you the first thought that comes into your head when you think about your body, is it a positive thought or a negative one? Chances are, it’s negative.