Ever have those days when all you want to do is put on the baggiest pair of sweatpants you own and curl up on the couch with your favorite men – Ben and Jerry? Chances are you’re not feeling too confident when those moments strike, but have no fear, because you’re not alone. It’s no secret that, as girls, we have our fair share of off days and sometimes need a little pick me up to start feeling our best again. Lucky for you collegiettes™, HerCampus is here to give you the tools for feeling like a million bucks in no time! After speaking to girls just like you at JMU and poring over countless advice columns and past issues of Cosmo, we’ve compiled a list of tricks and tips for your own personal dose of self-esteem.
Pamper Yourself.
It’s true that beauty is only skin deep, but why not let your radiance shine throughout? Spend a little extra time primping in the morning, and you’ll feel confident for the rest of the day. When you look good, you will feel better about yourself, and when you feel good you will look better to others. So go on, drop a couple of dollars on a fresh new manicure and take ten minutes out of your routine to do your hair and makeup. Put on a pair of killer heels, or a girly skirt to add some flair to your wardrobe, and strut your stuff for the entire world to see.
Smile!
Even in a fake way, smiling will release endorphins into your brain and give you an instant mood lift. If you’re feeling down, force yourself to flash your pearly whites once in a while. You might feel like you look stupid, but you’ll thank yourself later when your spirits are soaring. In that same vein, laughter will work wonders too. Don’t hesitate to turn to a funny clip or favorite YouTube video when you’re feeling blue. In regards to feeling great with yourself, the “fake-it-until-you-make-it” approach may just really work.
Positive Self-Talk.
It may seem silly, but YouTube sensation Jessica has a point with her “daily affirmations.” Taking a deep breath, facing yourself in the mirror, and repeating something positive about yourself will help you realize all of the great qualities you possess. Repetition causes the subconscious to accept and treat statements and thoughts as commands, solidifying these ideas as facts you’ve always known about yourself. In addition, whenever you find your thoughts drifting into the negative zone make a conscious effort to eliminate them. Take a step back and change that thought into something positive. The power of positivity will have you feeling fantastic in no time.
Relax Your Mind, Body, and Soul.
Studies show that napping for 20 minutes a day can greatly improve your mental health, rejuvenate a tired body, and leave you ready to finish the rest of your day bursting with confidence. Closing your eyes and taking deep yoga breaths, or setting aside a few minutes during the afternoon to meditate will have you feeling relaxed and ready to tackle the day in seconds! Feeling sluggish and groggy throughout the day? Head to the gym! A 30-minute workout will have you energized and feeling great about yourself.
Celebrate The Little Things.
Instead of creating to-do lists that are miles long and overwhelming yourself with the number of things you have left to do, try creating a list of all the things you’ve accomplished so far today. After you complete something else, write it down on your list and celebrate how far you’ve come already! If you’re really feeling pessimistic, make a list of everything positive someone has said to you in the past couple of weeks or even a list of things you’ve done in your life that you are proud of. You’ll find that you’ve done a lot more than you thought! Recognizing yourself for achieving even the smallest of tasks, such as finishing an important assignment, will make you realize what an awesome collegiette™ you truly are!