Life is hard. We spend a lot of time worrying, a lot of time working, and a lot of time comparing ourselves to other people. Many of us struggle daily with comparison on some level, and it can seem really hard to overcome. However, it might not be as difficult as it seems. One of the best ways to stop comparing yourself to other people is to become really confident with yourself. If you're currently struggling with self-confidence, here are some really simple ways to care for yourself and feel good about who you are.
1. Work Out
It's a well known fact that working out is a surefire way to boost your confidence. Consistent exercise can be hard, but it becomes easier if we find a why behind our workout. Do you want to feel healthier? Do you want to run a faster mile? Even if your goal is as simple as looking more toned, determining a reason behind all of your effort makes it easier to stick to the plan. Just make sure you're doing it for you! Don't work out because you're trying to impress Ryan from Spanish, work out because it makes you feel like a rockstar. (And if Ryan happens to notice, we're not gonna complain about it.)
2. Do your nails
Nails have always been a luxury that I've forgone, simply because I've always felt like they're an unnecessary expense. They can be expensive to get done professionally and take some effort to keep up. However, it's such a simple act of self care that we all deserve every once in a while! Saving thirty dollars or even devoting time to DIY is so refreshing. Besides, who doesn't feel like a princess when your hands look like they belong in a paid programming special?
3. Wear clothes you love
Being comfortable in what you wear is so important. You wear clothes for yourself, so if you don't feel confident when you walk out the door, then you're doing something wrong! Wearing cute clothes doesn't have to break your bank, either. Goodwill and Plato's Closet have some pretty hype finds for pretty low prices, and smaller stores (my Athens favorites are Red Dress and Entourage) are often reasonably priced for really good quality. Setting aside money for one piece a month is a good way to treat yourself and slowly build a wardrobe that makes you feel beautiful.
4. Eat food that makes you feel good
Ever heard the phrase "You are what you eat?" Apparently our prophetic ancestors were right. The food you consume is so important to your overall well being, mental and physical. My English teacher used to tell us that in all things, he firmly believed in GIGO - garbage in, garbage out. In other words, if all you eat is crap, you shouldn't be surprised when you feel like crap. Eating fresh proteins and veggies may not seem like a fun alternative to delicious fries and milkshakes, but your body will thank you for making the effort. If you're worried about finding time to eat fresh, know that it doesn't have to be hard! Meal prepping (or cooking in bulk) is a really effective way of ensuring that you have fresh, tasty meals on hand. Sheet pan meals, stir fries, and veggie pastas are some of my favorite easy meals to have prepped when I'd rather go through the drive through. Let's face it - having the "we have food at home" talk with yourself is something that every adult has to face. It's not easy, but it's worth it.
5. Prioritize your classes
Getting good grades isn't just about "getting that degree." Not only is putting forth time and energy into a class good for your GPA, it is honoring to you and your teachers. The energy put into your classes can almost be seen as a reflection of the respect you have for your teacher's time and for your own success. If you have to go to class, make the most of it! When you're studying, devote yourself entirely to your success on that test rather than kind of caring, kind of not. As Ron Swanson said, "Never half-ass two things, whole-ass one thing." If you're gonna do it, do it with everything you've got knowing that you can be proud of the results you've worked for.
6. Keep your space clean
This lesson was a long time coming for me, but it's one of the most important things I've learned. Up until this past summer, I was probably one of the messiest people I knew. For a year straight, I couldn't see my bedroom floor under the layer of clean and dirty clothes strewn across the carpet. To say I was disorganized is an understatement. Learning how to care for the space around me was a complete game changer for how I felt about myself. Cleaning is such a simple act that completely changes how you interact with your space. Not only does having a clean, organized home allow you to love where you live, it provides such a sense of peace. If we have the privilege of having a home, why not take care of it? Little things, like changing your sheets consistently, putting your laundry away, switching out your towels, and wiping down your kitchen counters may seem like such small acts, but they are so essential to being confident in your own space.
