We’ve all heard that confidence is sexy, cool, empowering, and a list of other positive adjectives. Unfortunately, there’s something about being back at school that can bring out people’s insecurities. Maybe it’s the renewed expectations, the comparing of summer stories, the encouragement to bulk up your resume, or the fact that summer is officially over and you have to be a real person again; whatever it is, it’s not a good feeling to have.
Luckily, there are so many self-love movements going around and inspiration is everywhere. However, it can still be hard to know how to actually obtain that confidence. I’m here to help you out with some tips on how to get that sexy, cool confidence and, more importantly, feel great about yourself!
1. Get Centered
It’s good to be alone—it gets you away from the pressure of and comparisons to other people. You also need to escape your own insecure thoughts, though. When the self-doubt hits, try taking some time to ground yourself in the present; this could mean meditating, reading, watching a movie, or (for an admirable few) seeing the sun rise in the morning. Whatever it is, it can be nice to remember that there is a big world all around you and to enjoy the moment as it is without worrying about what was or will be.
2. Get Active
Exercise gives you endorphins; endorphins make you happy. Not only do happy people not shoot their husbands, they also go a little easier on themselves. Now I’m not suggesting running a marathon, (unless that’s your thing) but even a little movement will make a difference. Whether it’s finally reorganizing your room, a game of tennis, or hitting the gym, physical activity can raise your endorphin levels and act as visible proof that you can reach your goals. Plus, working out will make you feel better about your body and clear your mind, even if nothing else physically changes.
3. Get Social
Make sure you’re spending time with people who make you feel like the best version of yourself; these are people I like to call “best self people.” Be they friends, significant others, family, or even your dog, these are the people with whom you feel like the very best version of yourself. With them you don’t have to try—you can feel free to make stupid jokes and try new things. If you have to walk on eggshells and always try to impress your friends, that will leave you with a severe lack of confidence.
While there will always be days when we just don’t feel great about ourselves, and other days when we feel like Blake Lively, the goal is to have more positive days than negative ones. By being kind to ourselves and focusing on everything great we have to offer, we can start the year with killer confidence.