Being in college is hard, we know. Learning how to love and respect yourself while in college? Even harder. At a stage where it feels like everyone is judging you, it’s hard not to judge yourself too. The thing is, college is a time for growth. Learning who you are and loving yourself is one of the best (and healthiest) things you can do.
It’s a process that’s different for everyone. Put a heavy emphasis on the word process. Self-love is a journey, not a destination. Learning how to be your own hero and live your life can be a challenge, especially when you’re struggling to love yourself. When you’re needing a little extra TLC to get to that point, read these tips.
1. Start your day off right
We’ve all been there. You wake up, and less than 30 seconds later, you find yourself scrolling down Instagram. Here’s the thing–starting off your day looking at all the “amazing” things other people are doing takes away from focusing on yourself, before you even get out of bed. Instead of stalking that girl from high school or your favorite celebrity, take 15 minutes each morning to focus on YOU and your goals for the day. Lay in bed, take some deep breaths, and prepare for the day.
2. Make a to-do list (and actually do it)
How many times have you told yourself you’re going to be active then wind up watching Shameless all day? Take the initiative for yourself; make a list of your goals for the day, and actually go out and do them. Getting things done with no excuses feels good, and will make you feel productive.
3. Fake it till you make it
Sounds stupid, but smiling at yourself in the mirror every day can have profound effects on your mood, general happiness, and interpretation of yourself. Even simply forcing a smile for a few seconds releases endorphins into your brain, which is the chemical that makes us feel happy. Just do it. Maybe even laugh out loud at your reflection. Embrace how dumb you may feel, and if you’re feeling the ~vibe~, turn on some music and dance around! You’d be surprised what a little letting go in the privacy of your own room can do.
4. Surround yourself with positivity
Ever heard someone say “You are who your friends are’’? Well, it’s true. Surround yourself with toxic people, and your thoughts will reflect that toxicity. Know that you deserve people who lift you up and make you feel good; that’s what friendship is all about. Don’t be afraid to cut these toxic people out of your life or anyone who gets in the way of your happiness.
5. Be kind to others
Often, the way we treat others is a reflection of how we treat ourselves. At least once everyday, go out of your way to make someone else smile. Knowing that you as an individual brings happiness to others can be a reminder of how important you are.
6. Break a sweat
When you look good, you feel good. Taking at least 30 minutes a day can be just what you need to distract yourself from the thousand things you need to get done. Let exercise be your escape- go to the gym and don’t think about anything else but getting in a killer workout. You’ll thank yourself.
7. But…don’t sweat the small stuff
Getting down on yourself about every little thing does results in negativity. Think of ways you can learn from all of life’s little failures. After all, you’re not given anything in life that you can’t handle!
8. Ignore the need for approval
Who cares what other people think of you? No one knows you better than you know yourself, so don’t feel like you need to prove yourself to anyone. At the end of the day, you are the one who faces yourself in the mirror each day. Live your life how YOU want to live it- when you love yourself, other people’s opinions become irrelevant.
9. Take a break when you need one
Sometimes, you just hit that point. Being able to recognize when you need a break is essential to your well-being. When life is getting too much, take a step back and breathe. Buy that shirt you’ve been thinking about, treat yourself to that piece of pizza you’ve been wanting all week. Taking a break doesn’t mean failure-it means knowing what you deserve.
10. Always remember that you are enough
Chant it over and over again in your head. Remembering your worth is the most important thing you can do when it comes to loving yourself fully. Be grateful for the life you were given, and accept the fact that you are who you are. And know, above anything else, you deserve happiness.
Having a good relationship with yourself is just like any other relationship you have: the more you put into it, the more you receive in return. Learn as much as you can about yourself. Learn from everything you do; your successes and your failures. Never lose sight of your dreams, and remember that you ARE worth it!