Sti call bikini blues and it’s the anxiety of putting on a bathing suit that involves almost one out of two Italiansabout 45%. This was revealed by a study conducted by My Doctor which emphasized the bad relationship that runs along the Boot when we start talking about swimwear, beaches and putting on a bathing suit in front of others. An attitude that generates real anxiety and raises the level of stress, right from the dressing room when you should buy a new costume. In short, anything but a relaxing summer.
Bikini blues, the anxiety of getting into a bathing suit
A research conducted by My Doctorinvolving a team of psychologists, highlighted how the moment of putting on a bathing suit is not lived with tranquility and serenity, On the contrary. Many get nervous even at the thought of having to try it on in the dressing room of a store.
Is called bikini blues and is a form of anxiety-apprehension that affects about 45% of Italians, especially women but also men, and which manifests itself in different ways: «Taking off your winter clothes and getting into your bathing suit often generates discomfort and frustration because you believe you have not reached the desired physical shape (45%) or because you are always insecure and dissatisfied with your body (23%). In parallel, even the gaze of others generates anxiety: the Italians interviewed they claim to compare their outward appearance with the prevailing aesthetic standards in society (23%) or with that of their umbrella neighbors (18%) and, according to them, they come out defeated in the confrontation» explain the platform’s experts.
Abdominals and legs, the two areas that create the most discomfort
A state of agitation, embarrassment, dissatisfaction that focuses above all on two precise areas of the body, abs and legs. For 62% the lack of tone in the abdomen is a problem while the legs are a critical area for 45% of women and 10% of men.
How to run for cover? “To hide these supposed flaws, many never go to the beach without a sarong or light shirt to cover up with (39%) while others try to maintain a flattering posture (17%), i.e. belly in, chest out.
When buying a costume or taking a photo becomes a stress
But the bikini blues is not expressed only on the beach but also in the dressing room of a shop. In fact, there are many people who get stressed when they have to buy a swimsuit: 20% get upset at the idea of not being able to find a suitable model why not fit while 15% fear comparison with the dressing room mirrorwhose lights are truly merciless capable of underlining all the physical defects.
And that’s why on social profiles in the summer fewer and fewer photos of people on the beach appear: 29% hate being portrayed in costume while 24% have themselves photographed only in certain circumstances and showing only certain parts of the body (18%). But, even if we let ourselves be retracted, 49% of people don’t post these photos on social media precisely because he is ashamed.
How to deal with the bikini blues
“When you have to undress, there is often a conflict between potential and suitability, between the desire to be liked and the fear of being rejected. In an era in which bodies are increasingly evaluated on the basis of defined performance indicators and stringent aesthetic standards, wearing a swimsuit can become a test of self-identity and self-worth» explains the doctor Marilena Nacci, psychologist of MioDottore.
1. Accept the emotions experienced
«Anxiety occurs when a disturbing emotion is not considered or is not allowed and therefore becomes something invisible and paralyzing at the same time. In reverse, identifying the “why” you feel inadequate in a swimsuit allows you to reconnect with the most intimate emotions and relive the experiences of the past that gave rise to them and then try to face them and re-elaborate them with greater awareness» explains the expert.
2. Change your self-talk
«Very often the fear of not being “enough” rests on a judgmental, critical and accusatory dialogue with oneself. We address messages and words capable of offending and devaluing, we attack the physical aspect to hit the value and personal identity. Inventing a new language and speaking to each other with love and acceptance can instead raise self-esteem and self-confidence».
3. Inhale, exhale
«Breathing exercises are useful allies in managing anxiety. When the spiral of self-criticism is triggered, it can be stopped using the breath: concentrating on your breathing allows you to direct your thoughts towards something material and concrete, interrupting the flow of negative thoughts».
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