As young women in the age of social media, spring break can be one of the most mentally draining seasons of the year. From late February to early March, it is nearly impossible to avoid the fat talk and body negativity that intoxicates women on campus. Whether you’re going to Florida for the week, or spending your break at home, the suffocating negativity that comes with spring break often makes us reflect cynically on our own behaviors, and feel absolutely horrible about ourselves.
But why should planning a vacation leave such a sour taste in our mouths?
Right now I am a second semester junior and I live with 40 amazing women in my sorority house. I love my sisters with all my heart, and I am thankful to be surrounded by such a strong support system. At the same time, living in the sorority house has exposed to more self-degradation than I have ever experienced in my life. Almost everyday I watch the most beautiful, spirited women abuse their bodies without even recognizing the cruelty of their habits.
Body negativity is a contagious and subconscious mindset that becomes increasingly common a few weeks into the spring semester. With spring break under our noses, it’s easy to view our bodies through a critical lens, and compare ourselves to one another. This year has widened my eyes to the heartbreaking reality of beauty ideals, and I will do anything in my power to abolish the negative stigma behind spring break preparations.
In preparing for spring break, it’s important that we stand against social pressures to put ourselves down, and prepare both our minds and bodies for a well deserved break. Instead of joining the latest fad diet, or going to the gym twice a day, here is a list of tips to guide you through these next few weeks:
Understand that fun doesn’t have a weight limit.
You don’t have to look a certain way to have a good time. Think about how confident you are after three shots of tequila, and use that energy to reject your negative thoughts.
If you want pasta for dinner, eat pasta for dinner.
No matter what your friends are eating, never restrict yourself for the sake of image. Eating healthy year round is a great way to feel energized and positive, but fad diets and seasonal dieting are physically exhausting and mentally draining. If you’ve had a long day, engulf a big bowl of buttery pasta and remind yourself that blue skies are on the horizon.
Avoid using fat talk at all costs.
Vacations are a fat talk field day. Stop your negative thoughts before they become negative words. Eliminating negativity the moment it arises will not only help you hold yourself accountable, but help you recognize the toxicity of your thoughts.
Reject body negative statements from your peers.
If you hear a friend or family member put themself down, or make a negative comment about their image, remind them to respect and love their body for how it is uniquely made. Do not put yourself down to raise others up. Holding each other accountable with create a more positive and self-reflective environment.
Appreciate the functionality of your body.
You have a healthy, functioning body that is giving you the physical capability to go on spring break. Think about all the club dancing you can do with those legs!
Look forward to a week with absolutely no responsibilities.
You have no class, no meetings, no exams, and no assignments for seven days and you’re spending time worrying over how you look? You’re smarter than that…
Spring is a seasonal celebration of life so love yourself, damn it.
We are all unique and radiant and no vacation should ever change that! Remember to take care of your body in these next few weeks, and your mind will be grateful. Beauty is a mentality, not a size. Happiness is a mentality, not a weight. I know times like this can make confidence seem impossible, but never forget that you are so much more than your looks. Give your body a break from school and your mind a break from negativity!
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