If you were to make a list of the people you love most in the world, where would your name be? Would it even make the list? Would it be last? Somewhere in the middle? But it’s not first, is it? Here are some helpful ways to promote self-love:
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Take it easy on yourself. You are your harshest critic. Focus on the progress you’re making, instead of your missteps. Not everything will fall into place at once, so allow for the failures to motivate you to move forward. There is something valuable to learn from each experience, especially the hard, messy ones. Don’t be too hard on yourself when times are tough. You are your strongest ally in this world.
(Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash)
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Let go of toxic energy. Whether this comes in the form of people, memories, or thoughts, try to push past negative vibes. If keeping someone around is more harmful than helpful, it is okay to end that relationship. Your emotions are valid. Dwelling in the painful past is not healthy. Accept that what has been done is done, possibly forgive yourself, and move on. Focus on creating new experiences that are more positive. Counteract negative thoughts with positive ones. By retraining your inner voice, you find yourself having a better outlook on life in general.
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Do things for yourself. I don’t go to Zumba classes because I’m good at dancing (believe me, it’s not a pretty sight). I go to Zumba because it’s a full hour of just time for myself. In my busy schedule, I prioritize my “me time” with this class every other week. Letting loose and just dancing in a judgement-free zone gives me a euphoria unlike anything else. Find something that you are not ashamed to love and set aside time for it. There is no shame in indulging for the sake of happiness. There doesn’t have to be an ulterior motive other than the fact it produces a better, more positive self.
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Put your mental health first. That math test is not worth losing your sanity over. Put the book aside. Take a study break. Indulge in your favorite snack. Go to bed and get enough sleep. Students perform better on tests and assignments when they don’t overwork themselves and allow for breaks. Remember, mental health days are valid. We allow our muscles to relax after strenuous exercise. If your brain needs a day to relax, let it. Academics are important, but they are not everything. You are.
- At the end of the day, fake it ’til you make it.  No one is expected to go from zero to one hundred in terms of loving themselves. Confidence takes time. The amount of self-conscious people who put on a brave, confident facade is overwhelming. Luckily, that could be you. With the right attitude, anything is possible. Put on your favorite outfit, spend a little extra time doing what you love in the morning (makeup, exercise, breakfast, or whatever it may be), and walk into the world without a care. When others start recognizing you as confident, you’ll begin to see yourself in that light and the confident attitude will no longer be fake.
​(Thumbnail provided by Camille Orgel on Unsplash)