From magazines, to TV shows, to academic and family pressures, to the comments made by your peers, it can be easy to succumb to a hypercritical view of yourself. You start to overanalyze everything, and begin to worry persistently that something is wrong with you. Whether it's physical, mental, or both, getting over your insecurities and embracing who you are can be tough. Here are some ways to make it a little easier.
1. Start by seeing others in a more positive light.
Instead of criticizing what the people around you are doing in an attempt to make yourself feel better by comparison, appreciate them the way you want to appreciate yourself. Once you start complimenting the people around you (even if they're just mental compliments that you don't say aloud), it will be easier to do the same for yourself.
2. Begin each day with 3 self-loving thoughts.
When you wake up in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror and think of at least three good things. Whether your butt looks nice today, you're proud of yourself for finishing that history paper, or you simply feel accomplished that you made it out of bed, take a moment to recognize your assets. Even if it feels false and awkward at first, it will start to get easier and easier to see your strengths rather than your flaws.
3. Fake it 'till you make it.
Even if you are not feeling one ounce of confidence today, put your shoulders back and chin up and channel your inner Beyoncé. If you spend enough time pretending to be self assured and secure, eventually it will no longer be pretend, and you can strut around looking good and feeling good.
4. Surround yourself with the right people.
If your friends are always putting themselves and others down, it's easy to get sucked into their negativity. Talk to them about it, and see if they would be willing to work together to spread more love and less hate. If they're not into that and want to keep hating, it might be a good idea to reconsider the types of people you hang out with.
5. Learn something new.
Take a dance class, learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, or start guitar lessons. Acquiring a new skill is fun, plus it allows you to show off and gain a sense of accomplishment that makes you feel like a badass.
6. Forgive.
In the famous words of Hannah Montana, "everybody makes mistakes." You can't win at everything, and sometimes things will go wrong. But the past is in the past, so learn from it and move on. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, reward yourself for your accomplishments. You'll feel better and have an easier time succeeding in the future.
You have so many reasons to love yourself, so don't get caught up in your flaws. Everyone has them, and they're what make you who you are. Embrace them and let your positivity radiate. You deserve to feel amazing!
