We are officially at that point of the semester when things seem to be slowly crashing down around us. With midterms going on, papers due, and other important dates approaching quickly, it can be hard to keep it together. On top of that, there are other pressures that we all face during this time in our lives. Rather than breaking down and letting the stress get to you, the best way to get through the rest of the year is to be confident in yourself! Here are 5 cheesy ways to do so:
1. Think positive thoughts. Let’s get the corniest solution out first. When we replace all of that negativity that always seems to be flowing through our minds at the worst time with happy thoughts, we will almost immediately feel better. Instead of thinking up a flaw that only you see when looking in the mirror, isolate your favorite things about yourself and think only of those. Remember what makes you beautiful both inside and out.*Tip: Put post-it notes with inspirational quotes around your mirror to start your day off right, because you’re never fully dressed without a smile.
2. Rethink your “quick fix” solutions. Unless it is something you are doing to feel healthy, forget the crazy diet plans or overly exertive exercise regimes. It’s important to make sure you are exercising and altering your diet for the right reasons only. Do not work out because you want to lose three more pounds (Mean Girls, anyone?), work out because you care about your body and you want to be happy. Positivity plays an important role in feeling confident and ultimately, in feeling happy. It’s important to take care of yourself, but do it for the right reasons.
3. Take a step back. Sometimes it’s okay to take a step back to breath and just get to know yourself. This may mean creating some space between you and others. Now, I don’t mean you should hole up in your dorm for a month without human interaction. But it’s okay to take some time to relax away from everything. This is also a great way to learn about what study habits work for you. Take some time to get off campus and treat yourself to a relaxing day. Becoming more independent will put you on the right track to feeling comfortable in your own skin, which leads to a more confident attitude.
4. Pump up the jams. End each night with a dance party. When you do this, you will not be self conscious about your super silly dance moves, you’ll feel free to let it out and you will go to sleep feeling joyful and at ease. *Tip: skip the slow sad songs and go for the upbeat tunes.Â
5. Fake it ’till you make it. Sometimes we don’t always feel on top of the world, and that’s okay. When you act confident, you will begin to feel more confident! Others will believe it and so will you. One way to carry out this idea is to look in the mirror and say three things you like about yourself. Another way to feel better when you’re down is to treat yo’ self! Grab a cup of coffee from The Cubby or some mozzarella sticks from the ‘Tween because you deserve it! Even when you don’t think you did well on a test, that doesn’t mean you can’t reward yourself for doing your best.
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**Good luck on midterms!
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