It’s Too Hot for That: Summer in Alexandria Isn’t Just for “Summer Bodies”

Wellness
Written By Gabrielle Katz, LCSW, CEDS-C

Summer in Alexandria brings sunshine, waterfront walks, and boat rides. But for many, it also brings a wave of anxiety about body image.

Let’s be real: it’s too hot to be worrying about how your body looks in a tank top, shorts, or swimsuit. You don’t need a “summer body” to enjoy summer. You don’t need to hide under layers in this humid heat.

You might just need to challenge the way the world has taught you to see your body.

Let Go of the Pressure

Societal expectations are relentless. Ads, social media, and even well-meaning comments often push the idea that summer fun belongs only to certain bodies: thin, toned, tanned, tight.

But real bodies—our body—are wonderfully diverse. They jiggle, stretch, freckle, scar, and age. And they all belong here.

Shift Your Perspective, Speak with Kindness

Body positivity doesn’t mean loving every inch of yourself all the time. It means knowing your worth isn’t tied to how you look. It’s about showing respect and kindness to your body, especially on the days when that feels hardest.

Here are some strategies to help you do that:

Change the Script

Instead of, “I hate how I look in this,” try:

“I’m allowed to exist in this body, just as I am.”

Focus on Function

Your body carries you through Old Town, hugs loved ones, laughs during ice cream dates, rows across rivers, and strolls through farmers markets. That matters far more than how your stomach looks.

Choose Compassion

Criticism may feel familiar. Choosing compassion is the radical choice.
Ask yourself: Would I say this to a friend? If not, then don’t say it to yourself.

Live Fully in the Body You Have—Right Here in Alexandria

Move for Joy

  • Row House Alexandria offers rowing classes with a supportive, body-diverse community. The goal? Strength and stamina, not size.

  • Rent a kayak from Belle Haven Marina and float the Potomac, feeling the sun on your skin and a sense of serenity settle in.

Nourish Without Guilt

  • Treat yourself to creamy gelato from Dolci Gelati—no guilt, no rules, just joy.

  • Share slices from Emmy Squared, or get pupusas and drinks from La Pluma. Food isn’t just fuel – it’s connection, culture, celebration, and a way to bring people together.

Rest and Reconnect

  • Lay in the grass at Founders Park, book in hand, the river beside you. Let your body just be.

  • Take a sunset walk along the waterfront—not to burn calories, but simply to be, and to soak in the beautiful colors of the evening sky.

You Belong in This Season

You don’t have to shrink to be worthy of summer joy.

You don’t have to cover up to be valid.

Whether you’re walking the waterfront in shorts, relaxing in a swimsuit, or simply learning to be gentler with yourself, know this:

You deserve to enjoy this season in the body you have today.

So, what would it look like to treat your body like a friend this summer?

To wear the swimsuit.

To wear the shorts.

To eat the gelato.

To say yes.

Let’s take up space, together.

And honestly? It’s too hot – just wear what feels good!

Coastal Collaborative Care provides telehealth and in-person therapy. In-person offices are located in Old Town North Alexandria, VA, Fredericksburg - Central Park, VA, and Downtown Norfolk, VA. Email admin@coastalcollaborativecare.com or call 571-249-5332 to schedule a consultation.

SEE ALSO: Navigating Fashion When Your Body Doesn’t “Fit”: 5 Ways to Shop with Confidence

Gabrielle Katz, LCSW, CEDS-C

Coastal Collaborative Care

Gabrielle "Gabby" Katz is the owner of Coastal Collaborative Care and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She is also an approved LCSW supervisor for clinicians pursuing clinical licensure in Virginia. Gabby earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).

Gabby provides virtual therapy across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Colorado, and Tennessee, and offers in-person sessions at the Old Town North Alexandria office. Due to her extensive experience working in eating disorder treatment centers, she received the designation of Certified Eating Disorders Specialist and Approved Consultant (CEDS-C) from the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp). She is qualified to supervise clinicians seeking certification in eating disorder specialty through iaedp.

In 2020, Gabby opened Coastal Collaborative Care. In addition to her expertise in eating disorders, Gabby has developed a deep understanding of trauma. She completed full basic training in an EMDRIA-Approved Program and is now an EMDR Therapist. Gabby is also trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the Flash Technique (FT) to help clients reprocess trauma effectively.

When Gabby isn't in session, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their Maltipoo fur-baby, cooking at home, dining outdoors by the Potomac River, or enjoying the salty air around the Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore.

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