As all perfectionists can understand, it is draining to constantly act like everything is alright. On top of that, adolescents tend to compare themselves to their peers more than any other age demographic. Basically, life has become a competition to see who has more friends, better grades, or the most likes on Instagram (SMH). Sometimes we need to take a step back to realize that the only person we should be in competition with is our better self.
Here are some hints at how you can alleviate anxiety inducers and ultimately work towards being the best you:
1. Log off social media. According to literally every psychology study ever conducted, social media makes you lonelier and leaves you with feelings of inferiority. If you’re in bed with your acne mask on and retainers in, looking on Facebook or Snapchat of people appearing to have the times of their lives out with friends, then you are comparing your perceived worst self to their perceived best self. How is that fair to do that to yourself?! People put their best edited and perfectly posed images out on social media, not ones of real life consisting of charcoal masks and retainers.
2. Make a list of your short/long term dreams and goals. This helps you stay on track for everything you want to gain out of life. It is so easy to get caught up with comparing yourself to other people, so use that same energy and apply it to yourself. Do you want to start eating healthier? Do you want to land an internship for the summer? Just the act of writing these goals down helps ease your mind, and organizes everything that life is throwing at you.
3. Support others, and realize no one is better than the other. Everyone is on their own journey, going at their own pace. My favorite Pinterest quote is, “Everyone you ever meet is dealing with something that you have no idea about.” So go easy on yourself and go easy on each other; we’re all in this together.
4. Seek help and guidance if you need it. Don’t feel ashamed for wanting to ask for help. We need to end the negative mental health stigma about therapy and counseling. If you find yourself feeling anxious more often than not throughout the day, or have restricted activities as a coping mechanism, then confide in a trusted friend or professional. The UIUC Counseling Center has counselors and therapists on hand to help address academic, social and lifestyle stressors. For more information, visit: http://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/counseling/services
5. Slow down, and enjoy the moment! College can be scary, but it is also one of the most exhilarating times of our lives. Enjoy yourself, and don’t forget that you don’t need to have it all together. Take pleasure in the chaos of not knowing what you want to do with your life, be excited for the future, and embrace the unknown. You only college once!!
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