This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emerson chapter.

Accepting and loving yourself can be a challenge, especially as a college woman. Taking care of yourself and the way you feel is very important to your mental health and even how well you do in college. Here are 8 ways that you can look in the mirror to see a happier, new you.

1. Exercise

Sounds stupid, I know. How will sweating like a pig and having sore muscles help you? Well, exercising actually releases endorphins. Endorphins have been psychologically demonstrated to have increased the happiness level in a person. Add to that, you’re going to be proud of your handwork and persistence for getting through a grueling workout and you’ll automatically feel fresher and more active.

2. Eat healthy

I probably sound like your mom right now, but hear me out. Eat healthy, so that you won’t feel sluggish after a meal and regret the junk food you just munched on. Switch chips out with fruit. Have some more vegetables if you’re hungry after a meal. This in no way means that you should stay away from all the delicious food your friends are gobbling. Have your fair share of pizzas and ice cream, just make sure that you’re also considering how your body feels about the food.

3. Help others

Helping others is a great way to feel good about yourself. It could range from something extremely small, like helping your roommate feel better about a test she got back or holding the door open for another person, to something bigger, like helping a homeless man with money or sponsoring a child’s food. You’ll always feel better that you’ve helped another person, and you’ll look at yourself in a new light: one where you’re even more important to the world and are valued.

4. Put yourself first

Thinking of others is great way to loving yourself even more, but don’t forget to actually do that. Put yourself first. It is absolutely okay to say no to someone if you don’t want to do what they’re asking you to do. It is okay to study for an important exam and not hang out with a friend. The same way it is okay to not prepare as well for a quiz if you have other non-academic commitments that you care about more.

5. Say nice things about yourself

If you’re dressing up for the day, look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you’re pretty. It not only boosts your confidence, it also makes others appreciate your beauty even more (weird telepathy, I guess). If you did well on a project, congratulate yourself. Make it a point to celebrate your wins, because society points out our flaws anyway.

6. Accept compliments

I personally have a huge problem with this, and if you’re someone like me who just awkwardly stares at people when they compliment you, start thanking them. If someone is taking the time out to tell you that you did well, you actually did. Accept them whole heartedly. That being said, never let anyone get away with a sly compliment, like “If you lost some weight, you’d be so pretty!”. You don’t need such negativity in your life.

P.S.: Catcalling isn’t a compliment, don’t let that get to your head.

7. Take time off for yourself and your hobbies

If taking time off from society is what gives you peace, do it. Have at least an hour a week to jam out to your favorite songs, read your favorite book or even binge watch that trashy reality show. Give time for your hobbies; school is important, but not more than all the other little things that give you pleasure. Whether you want a quiet night in or a loud party out with people, take time out to do it.

8. Don’t compare yourself to others

One of the most toxic and dangerous things you can do to yourself is compare how you are with respect to other people. The people in your class might be getting As or are involved in a ton of extra curricular activities, and they’re not a sign of whether you’re good enough. The only person you can compare yourself to is the one that you were yesterday. Push yourself to improve, but so that you can do better than yourself, not another girl in your class. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a role model. Choose someone that inspires you to be a better you. That is the most important thing; you’re not them. They haven’t lived the life you have. Who knows, they could have given up a long time ago if they were in your shoes.

Simply put, you’re the most important person in your life. Smile at yourself, love yourself and remember, there could always be a better artist, a better daughter or a better friend than you, but no one is as perfect to play your part as you.

7 Steps to a Happier You