By Leslie L. Edited by Laura C.
The “It Girl” is a term often used to describe a woman that seems to have everything. She not only is physically attractive but also mentally engaging. The pop culture term first came to fruition over 100 years ago. It’s a perception that often ties into our desire to fulfill our greatest potential and acclimate to society’s expectations. While it can be hard to fully become an “It girl” due to the unwavering amount of pressure we feel as college students, we can choose to initiate a healthy lifestyle that takes elements of this elevated persona.
The truth of the matter is we are all the main characters of our individual lives. How we choose to tell the narrative to ourselves and the confidence that follows is the true measurement of beauty. Furthermore, here is my list of healthy habits and notions to take control of your life and girl boss your world like a self-proclaimed ‘it girl’.
Journaling & Scheduling
First and foremost, the healthiest habit to implement in your lifestyle is setting aside time for your mental health. I will typically journal my feelings for the day, but also my responsibilities for each day of the week. You can do this in any notebook spiral and in any free printable calendars to fill out. Uncertainty about the future is a common feeling to have that may inflict internal struggles like anxiety. Therefore, reflecting on things you can and can’t control can be very healing.
Yoga & Meditating
Contemplating on what makes you happy is the key to feeling on top of the world. When at times it feels like the world is on your shoulders, you owe it yourself to put time and effort into the little things. That math test is just a test at the end of the day. It’s important to do your best, but it’s equally important to ensure you give yourself enough credit for all the hard work you do. Meditation and yoga are another form of practice that can provide you peace of mind. While participating in this revitalizing process, it can help alleviate chronic stress patterns you might have from a high pressure environment like college. In addition, setting aside time for this might also enhance your concentration and self awareness.
Not only does it help for your present day mental health, but it can also provide many benefits in the long haul. For example, it can lower your blood pressure and reduce your chances of sickness. While research has been progressing, many researchers believe you are less likely to acquire an illness when you are actively using yoga in your daily routine. Yoga has been scientifically proven to help relieve stress, which aids your body into fighting inflammation. Without exercise in your lifestyle, it could cause your immunity to be compromised. Yoga in specific, enhances ‘cell-mediated immunity’. Cell-mediated immunity is when you dismantle potential infected threats to your immune system. There are usually free yoga sessions at the Fareground and Barton Springs via Eventbrite.
Going For A Walk
Exercise and breathing in many forms can aid in helping you become the best version of yourself. Just a simple walk around the block listening to your favorite podcast can do wonders in starting your day. If you don’t live in a neighborhood, there are also numerous trails within the Central Texas area that are free to use for the public. A hike before or after work and school is a guaranteed way to release endorphins.
Waking up Early
Many studies have shown that waking up early and making your bed can lead to a higher productivity rate. The biological clock in our bodies excretes melatonin hormones depending on the different ratios of sunlight there are surrounding us. Specifically, the retina in our eye will gesture to our master clock to produce the hormone that makes us feel alert. As a result, we are naturally more reactive and energetic in the morning. Thus, if you get more done because you’re listening to your body and getting up earlier, then you have more time, in the long run, to focus on your hobbies outside of school.
Overall
In short, becoming the ‘it girl’ is completely objective and I categorize it as becoming the person younger you would be proud of and where you feel more control in your life. Beauty is confidence; Confidence is a mentality. Girl bossing your way through life is a gradual process that differs for every person. Nevertheless, these ‘it girl’ tips can help to amplify your journey for success and female empowerment into your version of the movement.