When the temperature rises, the sound of lawnmowers buzz through the air, and the buds begin to blossom on the trees, thousands of women across America feel one thing-dread. That's right, dread. As crazy as it sounds, for many of us, the thought of sunshine and humidity causes anxiety instead of joy. Why? Well, as much as summer is lemonade and swimming, it's also swimsuits, tank tops, and shorts; and the thought of exposing those arms, legs, and tummies we meant to tighten and tone over the winter just didn't happen.

Now that summer is coming up the sidewalk, we have two options: we can either hide inside our air-conditioned homes, passing down pool parties and backyard barbecues, or we can stop harmfully comparing ourselves to the air-brushed models in the magazines and enjoy life. I don't know about you, but I think option two sounds a lot more pleasurable than option one!

Lucky for us, option two is easier than ever. Here are some easy ways to dress cool and body-image-comfortable this summer season.

First, put down the fashion magazine.

I repeat, put down the fashion magazine.

Looking at 18 year old models frolicking on the beach in skimpy clothes will not help you get over your anxiety.

Neither will standing naked in front of the mirror criticizing every "flaw" on our body. So the second step is to accept yourself for who you are and stop punishing yourself for who you aren't.

So you're a size 12 instead of a size 2. An A cup instead of a C cup. So what? You've got a good heart, a good brain, and a good life. Focus on the positives.

Third, don't worry about squeezing into, spilling out of, or filling up that swimsuit. With mix and match options, now is a better time than ever to go swimsuit shopping. There are myriad suits on the market that fit all different body types. If you're concerned about a plump bum, try one of those cute new suits that come with an attached skirt. You can find them in varying lengths so you can cover most of your thighs, your hips, or just the bum itself. And there are so many tops to choose from that you're bound to find one that covers, enhances, contains, or supports just enough.

Don't like the way your legs look in shorts? Most women don't. But guess what, a casual skirt can hide many of our perceived flaws, fatty knees, varicose veins, and all. And since they come in all types of cuts, lengths, and patterns, it's easy to find one (or five!) that works!

Summer comes only once a year, and there is too much fun to be had to worry about our bodies. So let's let the anxieties go with the cold weather, get rid of the fashion magazine model standard for ourselves, and shop the racks for the clothes that look good on our bodies. Life's too short to waste it on worry!

Learn more about this author, Deanna Korzelius.
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