It’s really easy to get dragged by life and feel down on yourself. Whether it’s a breakup, a bad grade, a long day at work or just unexplainable feelings of inadequacy, we all go through it. Something I’ve been wanting to do recently is to really start loving myself--it leads to a happier, more positive attitude that will leave you feeling capable and hopeful. Here are five ways I plan to begin loving myself, and you should too.

1. Fuel

I ignore this over and over, but it’s true: eating right is the best way to love your body. Eating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and clean starches and drinking water leaves your skin clearer, waist smaller, hair stronger and supplies your body with energy. I’m convinced that I get tired quicker when I have a lot of bread and sugar throughout the day compared to salads and meats. As a college student, it can be difficult, but my new goal is to start treating my body how it should be treated.

2. Exercise

Another body tip, but exercising your body is a proven way to love yourself better. It doesn’t need to be stressful--you shouldn’t exercise just to lose weight or just to tone your muscles--you should do it because it’s good for you. Your skin will be brighter, mind clearer, attitude happier, and the rockin’ bod is just an add-on benefit. I go to the gym every once in awhile, but making time to get much-needed exercise is high on my list of loving myself.

3. Books

So much time is spent online and scrolling through social media. I love my iPhone, but the access it has given me to zone out of the real world is pretty disappointing. Recently on vacation, I read two whole books, and it was awesome. I can’t remember the last time I read a book for fun. I recently went to the local used book store and picked up some random reads, I’m hoping that spending my time delving into the fictional lives of book characters will allow me some calming alone time and help me destress and re-evaluate what’s important--a great sign of loving yourself!

4. Get Outdoors

This kind of goes back to the time spent online and on social media. Something I’ve been really slack on recently is getting outside. I feel like I’ve fallen into a routine of work, dinner, Netflix, sleep, with the occasional social event. Time spent outside, even if it’s laying by the lake or going on a 30-minute hike, helps clear your mind, destress, and feel like you’re a part of the world and not your little everyday bubble. My new goal is to do some outdoor activity at least twice a week to try and add nature back into my life!

5. Know What You Deserve

While the first four tips were call-to-action statements, simple knowledge and validation are just as important. Loving yourself is about knowing who you are, what you are worth and what you deserve.