1. Stop comparing yourself to others— whether it’s that girl with the perfect hair you sit behind in your American People class or that one who always has the right answer is chem. When you compare yourself to others, you devalue yourself and it can cause unnecessary stress and leads to depression.
2. Be independent— do something for yourself, find yourself, and keep challenging yourself. Go to a movie by yourself, go for a walk, or have a spa day! Thursday the 29th is the start of Homecoming and there are so many great events to take part in! Check out the drive-in movie event on Thursday or Sip & Paint on Friday! There are also great workshops for stress relief and research writing!
3. Be grateful —especially for everything you have. Constantly remind yourself how lucky you are; from your family to your friends, to your education, to the home you live in. Leave random thank you notes to someone close to you, just for being there!
4. Give more— both physically and emotionally to others. Share yourself with others, open up. Volunteer at a hospital, schools, or anywhere in your community. Offer some help to a foreign exchange student in your class or offer a commuter a ride to the shuttle or train station!
5. Trust your inner gut—follow your heart and it might be the best choice you can ever make.
6. Dress up for yourself— and nobody else! Looking your best affects how you present yourself and make first impressions! Some people gain confidence because of it! They say “dress how you want to be addressed.” Follow a new fashion trend or make up one of your own!
7. Be open minded —learn to be open, try to understand others and their point of views. There are great events and speakers on campus that can really expose us to new ideas. On October 11th the Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center is hosting a lecture about the indigenous people of Mexico and how they are constantly being inundated with economic and political pressures and forced migration. Talk about eye-opening!
8. Just Smile! Be positive and radiate with good vibes. It will rub off on everyone you come into contact with!