Brat Summer
This summer, social media has exploded with wellness trends that can make even the most grounded among us feel unsure about our relationship with food, exercise, and our bodies. One trend that’s gained particular attention is the so-called “Brat Summer,” a term that combines the carefree attitude of summer with a specific look or lifestyle that’s often unattainable for most people. Along with it come concerning wellness trends that can negatively impact how we see ourselves and how we treat our bodies.
Let’s break down what the “Brat Summer” trend is, why it can be harmful, and how you can navigate summer wellness trends in a way that prioritises your health, well-being, and self-care—without falling into the trap of diet culture.
What Is "Brat Summer"?
"Brat Summer" is a social media trend that combines a laid-back, carefree attitude with a hyper-focus on aesthetics, often promoting a particular body type, specific foods, or workout routines that align with a certain “look.” Think of it as the summer version of "that girl" trends, where looking effortlessly chic, thin, and glamorous is the ultimate goal.
The problem? Trends like this often promote unrealistic standards and encourage unhealthy behaviors to achieve those standards. Whether it's restrictive eating to stay “bikini-ready” or over-exercising to attain that "brat" look, these trends can lead to disordered eating, exercise obsession, and negative body image.
How These Trends Impact Your Relationship With Food, Exercise, and Body Image
The constant exposure to these wellness trends can make you feel like you're never doing enough or that your body isn’t good enough. This can lead to a cycle of self-criticism, restrictive eating, and over-exercising, which are all detrimental to both your physical and mental health.
Diet culture thrives on the idea that your worth is tied to how you look, but the truth is, constantly chasing after the next trend won't bring you lasting happiness or confidence. Instead, it can erode your relationship with food, make you dread exercise, and leave you feeling dissatisfied with your body, no matter how much you change it.
Navigating Summer Wellness Trends With Intuitive Eating and Self-Care
So, how do you navigate the onslaught of summer wellness trends without getting sucked into their harmful messages? Here are some tips rooted in intuitive eating, non-diet approaches, and self-care:
Unfollow Accounts That Make You Feel Bad: If you’re following influencers or wellness accounts that make you feel like you need to change your body, unfollow them. Curate your social media feed with accounts that promote body diversity, self-acceptance, and a balanced approach to health.
Practice Intuitive Eating: Rather than following restrictive diets or trends, listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you’re hungry, choose foods that make you feel good, and give yourself permission to enjoy all types of foods without guilt. Intuitive eating encourages a healthy relationship with food that isn’t dictated by external rules.
Focus on Joyful Movement: Instead of participating in grueling exercise challenges, focus on movement that you enjoy and that makes you feel good. Whether it’s swimming, dancing, hiking, or yoga, find ways to move your body that bring you joy rather than punishment.
Embrace Body Neutrality: You don’t have to love your body every day, but you can still respect and care for it. Body neutrality is about accepting your body as it is and focusing on what it does for you, rather than how it looks. This mindset can help you break free from the constant pressure to change your appearance.
Prioritise Self-Care: Summer is a time to relax and recharge, not just to change your body. Prioritise self-care in all forms—whether that’s spending time with loved ones, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, or simply enjoying the sunshine. Self-care is about nourishing your whole self, not just your physical appearance.
Set Boundaries: If conversations about diets, weight loss, or exercise challenges come up in your social circle, don’t be afraid to set boundaries. You can politely steer the conversation in another direction or let others know that you’re focusing on a different approach to health that doesn’t involve dieting.
Remember: You Are Enough as You Are: The most important thing to remember is that you are enough, exactly as you are. You don’t need to change your body to enjoy summer or to be worthy of love and acceptance. Your body deserves respect and care, no matter what shape or size it is.
Final Thoughts
The "Brat Summer" trend and other summer wellness fads may seem appealing at first, but they often come with harmful messages that can negatively impact your relationship with food, exercise, and your body. By embracing intuitive eating, body neutrality, and self-care, you can navigate summer in a way that prioritises your well-being over unrealistic beauty standards.
This summer, let go of the pressure to conform to trends and focus on what truly matters—taking care of yourself in a way that feels nourishing, joyful, and sustainable. Because at the end of the day, your worth is not determined by how you look in a bikini, but by the kindness, compassion, and love you show yourself.
Be kind to yourself,
M x
