Ten ways to feel better about yourself
You may want to skip over this article, but wait! Sometimes the corniest seeming things can be the things that should make us think the hardest. Don’t those things often come from that friend who is really happy and confident, making us doubt every word of it?
With the amount of things finding their way onto our to-do lists, it can often be hard to stop for a moment, pull back, and reflect on you. You know; check in, make sure you’re doing well, you’re happy. Often times when we do have that reflection, the weight of all we’ve been doing and rushing for falls upon us and it can be terribly over-whelming. So here are a few proposed ways to help you deal with it.
- First and foremost, love yourself. It can be easy to fall into a rut when you are constantly being evaluated; whether it is school, your parents, a sports team or a club you participate in, even the dating scene. The pressures are enough to wear you down, but still many of us feel the need to push ourselves harder and faster without a break. It’s not about forgetting these things; it’s about not forgetting yourself in the bustle.
- Stay positive. The bus was late, your printer wouldn’t work, and your roommate used the last of your milk. These small inconveniences can all wreck your day if you let them. It’s so important to just put it in perspective, pick up, and keep on with a good attitude. It makes more of a difference than you could believe!
- See your friends. For any of the reasons listed above, and for many more, it is easy to have the period between visits with friends grow too great too quickly. It’s important to remember that if you’re missing them and feeling the need for support, chances are so are they! That’s what friends are for, so reach out when you need them.
- Communicate. Just to reaffirm the previous point, sometimes when time passes or emotions flare, it can be easy to hide from those we love. Communicate your needs. When you are able to do that, everything else seems to fall into place.
- Educate yourself. For students and adults alike, our major or career becomes such a sole focus that we don’t always push ourselves to learn beyond our field. Remember other interests and pursue knowledge wherever possible.
- Do things you enjoy. If you love going to the movies, go to the movies every once in a while. Whether it be with friends or alone, something as small as this can fall off the radar, but make one so happy. Join an intramural team, try out for the play, cook and bake – don’t forget to mix pleasure in with life’s responsibilities.
- Splurge. For many people, budgeting is just a reality to live by and doesn’t have to be a negative. Living a cost-efficient lifestyle is a good thing, with it being possible and important to treat yourself for all the hard work you do. Go out to dinner, buy something you’ve been eyeing a while; occasional treats can turn even the worst days around.
- Be Kind. When you are kind to yourself, you remember to be kind to others. Step outside of yourself and reflect on how your words and actions are affecting those around you. The smallest kind gesture can completely change someone else’s day. Kindness leads to happiness for the self and those around you.
- Love the little victories. Don’t lose the little victories to the big picture. They are still something you’ve won – something you’ve earned that should brighten your day. Happiness is a day-by-day process, and each little victory adds to that goal.
- Surround yourself with love. Whether it is the things, activities, or people… Whatever it is that brings you happiness, makes you feel kind, positive or strong; these should be the fixtures of your life. If you remember to love, and to be loved, then you will live in a kinder world that you’ve created.