One sign of anxiety for me is overthinking. I find myself replaying conversations or imagining worst-case scenarios, even when there’s no reason to.
Therapy helped me unpack a lot of the negative self-talk I had. It’s been challenging, but I’ve found ways to replace those thoughts with more supportive ones.
I think being proactive is key. I introduced myself to classmates and asked them about their interests. It’s surprising how many people are willing to chat if you take the first step.
One thing I value in friendships is feeling safe to be myself. When friends encourage each other’s uniqueness without any pressure to change, it builds confidence and makes the bond stronger.
I noticed a pattern of manipulation in one of my friendships. Whenever I would disagree, they would turn it into a huge fight. I ended things after a particularly nasty argument, and it was the right choice.
Sometimes I feel pressured to do things just because my friends are, but I remind myself that I don’t need to change who I am to fit in. Real connections are about acceptance, not conformity.
I try to integrate my social life with academics. For instance, if I have a group project, I invite my friends to work on it together. It keeps things fun and productive!
I used to be really hard on myself about how I looked. Now, I avoid comparing myself to others and focus on the things I like about myself, even if they’re small. Celebrating these little things has improved my confidence.
I used to feel down seeing people with ‘ideal’ bodies online. I realized it was affecting my mental health, so I started unfollowing accounts that made me feel insecure. Focusing on my strengths and things I’m grateful for helps me to not dwell on appearance.
Friendship conflicts are hard, especially in school where you see the person every day. I’ve learned that it’s okay to set boundaries when needed. Not every conflict has to end the friendship, but it’s important to stand up for yourself if you feel disrespected.
I’ve always struggled with feeling like I’m not enough, but one thing that helped was surrounding myself with supportive people. I also started journaling about my strengths and accomplishments, which reminded me of how capable I am.
To make my resume stand out, I created a section for skills that relate directly to the job I’m applying for, like computer skills or language proficiency. In my cover letter, I make sure to highlight my enthusiasm and how I can bring value to the company.
Growing up, I loved making soap and bath products just for myself and family. Then, during the lockdown, I started selling them on Instagram, and the response was incredible! I’ve since created my own brand and even started selling at local markets.
Sometimes I feel like I’m living for social media, always thinking about the next post or the next like. It’s draining. I’m trying to unplug more often, but the urge to stay connected is real. How do you create a healthy balance with social media?
I’ve always been shy, and that made me doubt whether I could ever speak up or stand out. But lately, I’ve been challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone, little by little. It’s scary but rewarding. What’s one thing you’ve done to overcome insecurity?