Hey Naturalistas! The school year is in full swing, now! You’re likely settling into your classes, and the pace of your schedule is probably fast becoming a challenge. With all of the homework, studying and extracurricular activities you have, looking and feeling your best may become the biggest challenge of all. However, it is important to look and feel your best throughout the school year because it is directly linked to maintaining your confidence. As we know, the high school environment can often take a toll on our self-confidence. Here are some great tips on how to stay confident and beautiful this year.
Create and Rock Your Personal Style
Fashion is a fun and easy way to set yourself apart in the sea of similarity. Whether you prefer a simple solid shirt and dark denim jeans, or a skater dress with rose patterns, owning your personal style is essential. Take some time out to pick your outfits for the week and let your creative juices flow! Nothing excites me more before a school day than knowing I put effort into my clothing. Clothes do not need to be expensive to be cool. Play with patterns and include some DIY accessories to your outfits to have some fun every now and again.
Have fun with your hair! Go back to school with a fresh new style. Try something new! For instance, if you have never tried doing a braid-out, go for it! Or, add rollers to your ends to create a more sophisticated hairstyle. You can even try a protective style like Marley twists, which is low maintenance, but high on style. You can play with temporary hair dye for added colorful streaks, or an up-do for a mature look. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and do something different. Even if your hairstyle does not turn out as planned, you can always improvise and create a new style. Rock your natural hair, unapologetically. It’s yours, and it’s beautiful. Let the world see!!!
5 Tips for Self-Confidence
Back to school season can sometimes bring a sense of worry or uneasiness especially when you are attending a new school. Here are some tips to assist you in building your self-confidence.
- List your positive traits. Write down all of the wonderful features that make you uniquely who you are. Hang the list in your room, or in a place that you see daily.
Read it daily before you leave your house.
- Focus on you. Don’t compare yourself to others. The easiest way to feel down about yourself is thinking about what other people have. Everyone has their own path – you might miss your blessing if you are busy looking at someone else.
- Display your achievements. Hang up any trophies, certificates, good grades or great pictures of yourself on your wall. Keep them there as a reminder that you are valuable, and get in the practice of cherishing both small and large accomplishments.
- Get moving. Exercise is important! That can include sports, jogging with your dog or dancing. Make sure your body is moving daily to support your health and your physical fitness. This also helps clear your mind of negative thoughts and gives you tons of energy.
- Help others. Nothing feels better than helping someone in need. Reading to small children at the library, taking care of an elderly family member and providing meals for the homeless are all great avenues to give back to your community. Taking a few hours out of your week to help someone in need allows you to see what a difference you make in the world!
Good luck this semester, naturalistas! Be sure to start each day with a smile and some style!!
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Written by Michelle LeBelle, Ph.D., N.C.S.P
In addition to being a public school psychologists within the California school system,
Michelle is also an avid natural hair vlogger. Follow her on YouTube and Instagram!
