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Now that summer has officially arrived, everywhere you go there are going to be people, magazines, and ads suggesting ways to get and maintain that "perfect beach body."

They'll suggest diets and exercise machines and treatments and tanning. They'll want you to change this, that, and the other thing about yourself. They'll offer "miracle solutions" and "magic tricks."

But we here at PRIDE are going to take a different approach. We're going to suggest that maybe instead of changing a bunch of things about yourself to please others, you maybe ... don't? Maybe you can try these things instead...

1. Look at the #EffYourBeautyStandards tag on Instagram to psych yourself up. And remember that all bodies are already beach-ready.

What is a "beach body," anyway? We tend to think it's a pretty literal definition: a body at the beach. So, if you're a person on the beach, congrats! You have a perfect beach body! You're so great at having an awesome beach body!

Because while society might have a very specific, usually thin and/or muscular version of what a beach body should be, we're here to inform you that the only thing a beach body should be is confident.

2. Find whatever swimsuit or outfit you feel comfortable in that makes you feel proud of your body and who you are.

Maybe it's a teeny tiny bikini. Maybe some lengthy swim trunks. A sexy one-piece? An all-covering wetsuit? Whatever works for you works for us.

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3. Take care of yourself physically, because self-care is a vital part of self-love.

Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and get yourself an umbrella (or a wide-brimmed hat, at least). Taking care of yourself is crucial because it'll help you feel all-around better mentally and physically.

Treat yourself to some self-care. You deserve it.

4. Surround yourself with body-positive babes.

You have absolutely no time for friends who offer negative, unsolicited opinions about your appearance. Instead, find people who are going to encourage you to love you body just as it is, and spend your super fun beach day with them.

Friends who remind you that your body is already perfect are champions, and they're the only kind of friends you need.

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5. Remember that loving you and your body as is, is a revolutionary act.

This society thrives on body-shaming and surrounds us with harmful rhetoric saying we're too this or too that, and either way we're not good enough. And it's crap.

It's easier said than done, of course - to love yourself and your body unconditionally - but a carefree day at the beach sounds like a pretty good place to start, doesn't it?

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