Love Yourself

In college, your adventures will have you surrounded by different kinds of people: roommates, classmates, friends, neighbors, significant others, etc. These people can have a different influential power on your college experience whether it be for a class, a semester, a year, or your whole experience. But there is one more crucial person that can influence your college experience...

You.

College is a time of learning. A time to learn about your future career, surviving on your own, dating, and to learn about you. You can also learn about depression, stress, anxiety, and the commonality of social comparison. College is real, the lessons you learn are real, and the greatness in you is real.

Valentine's Day is often the celebration between significant others to express their love, gratitude, and affection towards one another. For some singles students it is a dreaded holiday with a thin silver lining -- discounted chocolate on the 15th. For some couples it is difficult to plan or buy something special for their 'valentine.' 

This Valentine's Day, I challenge each reader (single & taken) to celebrate this day by loving yourself more. 

Loving, accepting yourself is a crucial when surrounded by so many people. When you love yourself and understand your greatness, they will be affected social comparison less and able to distress quicker. Loving yourself won't make you perfect or invincible, but it will help each of you deal with the many lessons of college. 

                                         

I'm not alone in this challenge. Dress Barn's new sale is titled, "Me, my Valentine" with the hashtag #labelmeconfident and Buzzfeed has outlined a 12-day love yourself challenge. 

Here are some ways to celebrate you: 

• Create a list of all the things that you do well. 
• Don't be sorry for what you love. Love it and love it loud!
• Smile & laugh like you mean it.
• Surround yourself with people who'll remind you of who you are and how great you are. 
• Replace your negative go-to words with positives ones. 
• Write yourself a love letter. 
• Pamper yourself. 
• Call a friend when times get tough. 
• Do something that makes you happy. 
• Don't compared yourself to others. 
• Take a break from technology. 
• Create a reward/punishment system when you are mean to yourself. 
• Wear something that makes you feel great inside & out. 
• Eat something wonderful & savor each bite. 
• Take time for yourself. 

Check out my Pinterest for more ideas. 

Accept the challenge and celebrate YOU this Valentine's day.