We’re now halfway through the second month of the new year, and although those resolutions you swore you’d stick to may have already flown out the window, it’s never too late to get into the habit of treating yourself right.
1. Stop comparing yourself to others
Especially around Valentine’s day, it can be difficult not to compare your life to the lives of those around you. Why does she have a boyfriend and I don’t? Why don’t I have a job like he does? Why don’t I look like those other girls? Try to focus on you and what you like about yourself instead of what other people have.
2. Spend more time alone
Alone time is super important for so many reasons. Whether you’re recharging your energy indoors, such as listening to music or reading a book to relax your mind, or outside exploring on your own, spending time with yourself as company is the best therapy. Take the time to sort through your thoughts and look at the world through only your eyes. Develop your own ideas without being influenced by others. What you come up with might be pretty cool!
3. Exercise!
Any kind! Walking, running, yoga, soccer, rock climbing, swimming, whatever you’re into. Coming from the girl who shies away from any and all physical activity, just trust me on this one. Exercise isn’t only something to do when you want to lose weight or gain muscle; it’s good for a whole slew of other reasons! Simply getting outside and breathing in the fresh air is so wonderful for your body. Personally, I like to go on short runs to awaken my mind and enjoy some precious alone time. Exercise is the best way to deal with stress–it takes you away from the problem. Even going for a walk outside works wonders.
4. Stop binge watching shows on Netflix
Don’t get me wrong, Netflix is great, in small doses. Think about this: do you really feel genuinely happy after spending hours staring mindlessly at your computer screen? Yes, being productive can be hard sometimes, and motivating yourself to get work done shrivels in comparison to the tantalizing draw of Grey’s Anatomy or Fuller House, but there are so many relaxing things you could be doing instead of wasting time on TV. Yes, take that study break, but try reading an interesting article or grabbing a cup of coffee instead. Do something that you can look back on and think, okay, that wasn’t a totally useless way to spend an hour. Your brain will thank you for it.
5. Make taking baths a regular indulgence
Treat your body to the relaxation and cleansing powers of the oh-so-magical bath time. If you don’t have a bathtub at your disposal, try sitting in a jacuzzi or even swimming around in a pool. Submerging yourself in water clears your head and also feels just plain amazing.
6. Set reasonable goals for yourself each week
Try writing down your weekly goals somewhere conspicuous where you’ll be sure to see them multiple times a day. I like to make myself reminders written on pretty floral paper, which I hang on my wall above my bed. They’re little things like, “Try to be positive today” or “Finish the first two pages of your essay”. Don’t aim too high right off the bat; the idea is to ensure that you achieve your goals, which will make you feel all the more accomplished and happy. Of course, if you aren’t able to reach all your goals, don’t beat yourself up over it. Every step toward your goal is a step in the right direction.
7. Make art
The best thing about art is that it can be almost anything: painting, drawing, collaging, singing, writing, dancing. Whatever art form gives you pleasure, use it to create something beautiful that you can be proud of.
8. Talk to an animal
No, really! Sit down with your pet and spill all your problems. They love to listen and are usually pretty good for a hug and a smile. If you don't have a pet, try sharing some gossip with the squirrels at the park or drop by a local animal shelter and sit with some dogs for a few minutes. Animals, especially dogs and cats, are always down to be a source of comfort. And they're just so fluffy, it's honestly magical.
9. Smile at strangers
This might not initially sound like something you’d be doing for yourself, but think of it this way: if you smile at someone, not only are you brightening their day, but there’s a good chance they’ll smile back at you, which can feel pretty good, if you ask me. A small smile from a stranger on a rough day can go a long way.
10. Check your social media less frequently
Lately, I’ve been allowing myself two social media checks per day, usually once in the morning before class and once at night before going to bed. That way, I catch up on all those totally extremely important things everyone else is doing, but the rest of the day is a free space for my own thoughts, ideas, and enjoyment. Just try it, I’ll bet you anything your stress level will drop significantly once you stop feeling like you have to look at your phone every time there’s a lull in a conversation or a quiet moment in class. Who knows, you might actually start a conversation with another human being and make a new friend!
11. Write love notes to yourself
Take a few moments at the start of each week to jot down some of the things that make you so great and put them in an envelope. You can look at them during times of stress, frustration, or self doubt to remind yourself how awesome you are, or save them for the end of the week to look back on with a smile on a Sunday night. Self-love is so important, and the person who knows the most about you, is you.
