One of the worst things I have done for myself is put myself last. That's right, being selfless and putting my friends' needs before my own actually turned me into the worst possible version of myself. So, it's time for me to be selfish, and that's not a bad thing. Let me repeat that: being selfish is not a bad thing. Being selfish allows you to care for your mental, physical and spiritual health; it lets you live a functional life. We all try to do our best in whatever we do, including work, school, our social lives, our workout schedule and so much more. Here are a few tips that I've learned that have not only helped me actually be my best self, but have taught me how not to be my hardest critic.

1. Journal

Even if it's just one sentence, write it down.

2. Meditate

If you need proof that 20 minutes of meditation can actually make you live a happier life, check this out.

3. Plan time for myself

Yes, I actually note when I want to have time for myself. Whether it's going to the gym, watching an episode of Netflix or making myself dinner, I know that actually scheduling this time will help me take a breath every once in a while.

4. Drink lots of water

It's something small that'll make you feel like you're treating yourself better because, well, you are. (Hint: get a reusable water bottle!)

5. Make minor changes to your diet

I went gluten free a few weeks ago, and it's changed my mood for the better. You don't have to make that drastic of a change, but even adding small changes can help whether it's not having dessert every night or choosing that protein shake over that cookie.

6. Take lots of pictures!!!!!

This is more important than it sounds; even if you're having a bad day, take a second to stop and take a picture. Whether you make a collage from the semester or look back at it on a rainy day, it's important to remember the little things.

7. Laugh

Bring back vines!! Watch people falling on YouTube!! Make your friends tell you their dad jokes!!

8. Cry

Crying is just as therapeutic as laughing. Having a good cry and letting yourself actually feel emotion can help you get through the good and the bad times.

9. Go off the grid

This might be the hardest one for all of this, but if we can get over our technology addiction even for 10 minutes a day, we can sit back and just spend time with ourselves ( and not our 700 Instagram followers).

10. Have a dance party

I'm a horrible dancer, to say the least, but once I get up and get my roommates moving with me, everyone can kind of take a breath when we're in the middle of cramming for that test we have in two days.