There was a summer when I remember pulling out a sundress I used to love — soft cotton, flowy, flattering — and instead of feeling confident and light…

…I felt uncomfortable, bloated, and like I wanted to crawl out of my skin.

I kept tugging at the fabric all day.
Crossing my arms.
Not wanting to take photos.
Saying no to dessert because I already felt “puffy.”
Avoiding hugs because my stomach felt too sensitive to touch.

All the things I used to look forward to about summer — outdoor parties, date nights, laughing with girlfriends on patios — just made me more aware of how bad I felt in my body.

☀️ The Emotional Toll of Summer Discomfort

Bloating and gut issues don’t just show up in your digestion.
They mess with your mind, your confidence, your joy.

They make you second-guess your outfit, your appetite, your plans, and sometimes even your worth.

I know that sounds heavy. But it’s the truth I wish more people talked about.

Because if you're someone who…

• Feels anxious about ...

Let’s talk about a quiet truth:
Summer isn’t always light, breezy, or full of joy.

For a lot of women — myself included — summer can feel like pressure. Pressure to look a certain way in a swimsuit. Pressure to “have fun” when all you want is a nap. Pressure to say yes to BBQs, cocktails, and late nights, even when your body is already begging for a break.

If this is you, I just want you to know:
You are not the only one showing up to summer bloated, tired, moody, and uncomfortable in your skin.

There was a season in my life when every cookout left me unbuttoning my shorts under the table. When I snapped at my kids during beach days because I felt so sluggish and heavy I could barely carry a conversation. When I felt guilty for not enjoying a season that looked so fun in everyone else’s Instagram posts.

And still, I didn’t know how much my gut was at the center of all of it.

🌡️ Common Summer Gut Triggers (That No One Warns You About)

If you’re feeling “off” this summer, here’s wh...