How to Feel Confident in Your Swimsuit

Feeling confident can be tough when you are walking around in a tiny, weeny bikini. It’s not uncommon for men and women to feel a little vulnerable and insecure during the hot, summer months when many social activities involve a pool, the beach, and your swimsuit. But it doesn't have to take a toll on your confidence level, not if are armed with these body image boosters.

Magazines and popular culture will tell you to feel beach-body confident you've got to diet or work out. It’s all hype; they just want you to buy the magazine. The reality is, confidence doesn't come from the suit or the rock hard body that a Victoria Secret model has, it comes from how you feel and how much fun you are having.

A few weeks ago I was on vacation in Aruba. I noticed many European and South American’s flaunting their bodies, of all shapes and sizes, wearing Speedo’s, Brazilian bikinis and even thongs: yes, like underwear. I was amazed at how confident they appeared. Playing volleyball, eating beach grub, running around like little kids, everyone dressed in less than dental floss and they didn't seem to care. It got me thinking, how can everyone feel more confident and have better body image in a bathing suit?

Boost Bikini Body Confidence

Want to feel better in a bathing suit? Here are some tips that don't involve dieting or stepping foot in a gym. Confidence comes from within.

Size doesn't matter. You are the only one looking at your perceived flaws. Other people are noticing how much fun you are having, your attitude, and your personality. Instead of focusing on your body, focus on why you are at the event, the people you are with, and how much fun you want to have. The event you are attending is likely a pool party and not “I hate myself day.” Make it about the party not your body.

Turn attitude into gratitude. Attempt to stop those mean thoughts in their tracks. Looking at your body in the mirror and analyzing each part kills your confidence. Try to turn your thoughts to gratitude: instead of hating your legs, be thankful you actually have strong legs to support you, because, some people don’t. Feel too heady? Then if you go to a “flaw,” find a positive to counteract it. “I may not like my butt, but I do like my arms." The more you focus on what your body does for you, the less likely you will be to get stuck in insecure thoughts.

Quit comparing. No two bodies are the same; we are all unique. The supermodel body you desire isn’t motivating, it’s actually incredibly invalidating and does a number on your confidence. Comparing your body with others is a lost cause because everyone is different.

Why are you here? Sounds like a pretty deep question for a bikini piece but the truth is, you are more than your body. What are you doing with your life, besides obsessing about your body in the moment? Are you a parent who is raising confident kiddos, a student with goals of helping others, or a CEO at a company? You are more than just your appearance; there is a bigger purpose. Focus on all you do, and want to do, with your mind and body.

Don’t diss your body. The words you say matter. The more you complain about your “flaws” or negative body image the more you begin to believe it. Plus, it makes you appear unconfident to others, which is often uncomfortable for them. No one wants to hang out with the friend who is always pointing out their flaws, it makes them think you are looking for their flaws too;

Stay away from those who do. Nix the naysayers and body-bashers. Don’t give into that negative energy. Instead, notice it and change the subject or casually complement them and move on. Hanging out with guys or girls who constantly put themselves down is going to rub off on you; they are toxic friends. Stay away.

Have a fabulous summer and embrace the skin you're in!

Emily is the author of Express Yourself: A Teen Girls Guide to Speaking Up and Being Who You Are.You can visit Emily’s Guidance Girl website. You can also find her on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.