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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Tampa chapter.

Just as there are four seasons in a year, we, too can go through seasons of life. While we move into the season of winter, I view this period as a time to reinvent myself and reprogram my life. I use this time to slow down and take a step back from the craziness of life in order to reestablish my priorities and motivations for the year. This is the time to grind. 

The time you spend during the winter silently grinding and working on becoming the best version of yourself is when you’ll have the greatest glow-up by springtime. Time is going to pass either way, so you might as well spend that time focusing on yourself and bettering yourself. This season is about you and taking care of yourself as your number 1! Small changes in your day-to-day life can make a BIG impact in the long run. Start by first making a plan. Write in a planner or journal and make a list of the goals you want to achieve during this time. Make sure these goals are achievable as well! For me, my goals would be staying consistent in my workout routine, eating healthy and nutrient-dense foods, and bettering my mental health. I would do some research and create a workout routine that works for my schedule, as well as my body. Creating a plan early on makes it more likely for you to follow through with your goals and make them more of a habit. Staying on the topic of research, I would take a thorough look into foods that are good for my body. So many of the foods we eat are highly processed and not beneficial for our health. Since it is a glow-up season, perfecting my diet and taking a closer look at what I am putting in my body is one of the best ways to have a quick and efficient glow-up. 

As many of us know, mental health is an ongoing issue for many young women. Society tells us that we need to be on top of our game 24/7, 365. However, this is not the truth! It is okay to struggle, and it is okay to take a step back and say no! Protect your peace, and you will discover so many unforeseen benefits in all aspects of your life. The winter period is the time to get back on your game. You can try new things, such as a new morning/night routine, or challenge yourself to spend more time reading and less time on your phone. What is most important is the fact that this is your time. You are in control of your life; you are the one who makes the decision to better yourself. This is a season of simply doing it for yourself because YOU deserve it. There isn’t any shame in distancing yourself from bad people until you find friends worthy of who you are as a person. There isn’t any shame in protecting your peace in whatever ways you deem fit. 

A few weeks ago, I was exposed to the mantra, let them. As someone who struggles with anxiety, this has honestly been some of the best advice I have heard recently. This mentality is about letting go and not letting other people’s actions affect you. He didn’t text you back or ask you out? Let him. Those girls didn’t invite you to their party? Let them. Did that girl give you a nasty look for no good reason? Let her. We spend the majority of our lives so wrapped up in the way others act around us that it consumes and destroys any self-respect we may have. Those actions are just a reflection of people’s insecurities, and you are not responsible for their behavior, nor should you fall victim to it. You will find so much peace and joy when you learn to “let them” and give your mind a break from the constant stress and worry. 

Grind as hard as you can because this is your life, and you’re the only one who can control it. Be better for yourself, show up for yourself, and do all this without embarrassment because life is too short for you not to be the best version of yourself. This is the time to take a deep breath and finally make those changes that you’ve always wanted to make. Be you, do you, for you!

Ainsley is currently a new member of Her Campus for the Tampa chapter. She enjoys writing about women’s health and fitness, lifestyle tips, personal growth, and relationship advice! Outside of Her Campus, Ainsley is a freshman at the University of Tampa and is an aspiring physician assistant. Her experience in the medical world through an internship at Littleton Adventist Hospital and as a lifeguard gives her the background knowledge for health and fitness tips. Originally from Colorado, Ainsley loves anything outdoors and enjoys adventuring with her friends. You can find Ainsley getting active on campus as well as taking time to relax and appreciate the simple moments of life. She loves anything to do with self improvement and is always researching to gain more knowledge about personal growth along with health and wellness.