10 Ways To Gain More Confidence In College

College is a time of confusion, stress and a whole lot of awesomeness. There are going to be many things that test your will and how you feel about yourself. Sometimes, things happen and you can get a little down about yourself, and you start to lose confidence in who you are. But, college is also a great time to figure out who you are and what you want. It’s a time to show off who you are. So, here are 10 ways to gain more confidence in college.

1. Wear makeup

You might be thinking: “Make up to make me feel confident? Shouldn’t I be already confident without it?” The answer is yes, and no. Confidence is subjective, and it’s really what you make of it. Makeup has been getting so much backlash lately that it truly doesn’t deserve. Despite popular belief, makeup is there to enhance your already beautiful physical traits. Different colored eye shadows will make your eyes pop, the way you contour your cheeks will define your cheekbones and the right lipstick will plump up your already kissable lips. So if you want that extra confidence, go ahead, put on some makeup, get your eyebrows “on fleek”, and you’ll see how much better it will make you feel.

2. Exercise

Working out is a great way to make you feel good about yourself. It’s been scientifically proven that your brain activity greatly increases just a few minutes after you’ve worked out. Not only does working out gets you in a better mood, it also changes your attitude. There is just something really satisfying about going out there, getting active, feeling sore at the end of the day and realizing that it’s all going to be worth it and your closer to whatever goal you’ve set.

3. Knowledge is key

Knowledge is a great way to feel empowered. So go to the library or go on the web, and do some research. Pick up on a new language, learn about a culture you know nothing about. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel.

4. Eat healthy

I love eating; food is great! But we all know how hard it is actually eat healthy foods especially when we’re surrounded by burgers and and fried goodies all the time! You would be surprised though how good it will make you feel when you put down that bag of fries and pick up an apple instead. By making these small substitutions, you’re pleasing your body which eventually will lead to you pleasing yourself. Try to eat healthier every once in a while, and it will make you feel good about yourself.

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5. Find your inner beauty

It’s so easy to find flaws, and the many things you don’t like about yourself, but remember that you’re your biggest motivator. Try reminding yourself that you’re awesome. Look at yourself in the mirror every once in a while, and tell yourself that you’re beautiful. Write yourself sticky notes if you have to, and send yourself daily positive thoughts. Remember to love yourself because self-love is the best love.

6. Volunteer

Having a bad day? Go to the nearest community health center and volunteer. Help out at a food pantry. Find a homeless center, and brighten someone’s day. Be generous, and donate if you can at a soup kitchen. Help out at a local school. Seeing someone smile will do you some good. Lend a helping hand for a few hours, and you’ll go home feeling great.

7. Fake it ’til you make it

Have you ever heard people say, “If you keep saying a lie, after a while you’ll start believing it?” Well, you can use that for yourself. If you’re feeling really low, or maybe having a bad day, put a smile on your face. Sit up, and stand tall. This isn’t a way of ignoring your problems, on the contrary, it’s acknowledging that there is something wrong, but you’re strong enough to not let it get to you. Get busy, smile. Find something to do, smile some more, then you’ll start feeling better.

8. Surround yourself with positive people

In an already bad situation, the last thing you need is people bringing you down. Make sure that whenever you’re feeling a bit sad you find friends that you can talk to and trust. Even if you have to make a phone call, make it happen. It’s great to try to talk yourself out of a situation, but it’s also great to have someone be there to listen.

9. Spend time alone and reflect

A lot of people are afraid of spending some time alone, but it’s very important if you want to know yourself better. Take yourself on a Starbucks date, and write down all the things you do love about yourself, and all the good things that you’ve accomplished so far. Write down the things you like and don’t like about yourself, as well as the things you would like to work on. Recognize and learn to accept your flaws. Confidence is hidden in your self-reflection, so get to know your best self.

10. Remember your life experiences

Whenever you’re feeling sad, just stop for a bit and remember the things you’ve been through in your life. Nothing in life comes easily, and you might have had to overcome so many challenges, and now you’re here! Always remember what you’ve achieved.