My “Glow-Up”/Adulting Tips Post-Graduation + Things That Help With Reducing My Anxiety
This might be a vain post but I wanted to share things I’ve done to “glow up” and make me feel better/confident/help reduce my anxiety post-graduation. List is geared towards females.
Looks/Outer Appearance:
Get a new wardrobe of good quality, well-fitted clothes (no more Forever 21! Get good quality clothes that will last a long time.)
Start working out consistently. Even if it’s just trying to hit 10,000 steps a day, every little thing counts! Seriously, a desk job = no movement and you’ll gain weight (like I did) if you don’t work out. You don’t move nearly as much as you do when you’re in college and walking to classes!
Get LASIK if you are no longer want to wear glasses/contacts. I did this in Dec 2019 and have no regrets over this. Make sure you find a good center to get your eyes done - a place that you feel comfortable with!
Get laser hair removal if you want a hairless/less hairy body. Alright, I’m asian and everyone thinks asians are hairless, but lemme tell you - I’m definitely not “hairless.” I’m only a few sessions in (for various parts of my body, including underarms, upper lip, bikini, etc) but I’m very happy with results. I’d recommend anyone to do their research and see if this would be a good fit for them!
Get your hair done! I’ve always had dark brown/black hair but since getting my hair balayaged, I’m in love with the new look! I feel like it “refreshes” my entire look and it makes me feel really confident. Maintaining the look isn’t too bad - I pretty much just wash my hair twice a week (with special color-safe shampoo/conditioner) & don’t use heat on my hair (which I have never done, anyway). Plus, cool(er) showers.
Drink water!!! You know it’s important. It’s definitely helped my acne and overall health.
Mind/Things that have reduced my anxiety:
No more oversharing or telling too many people everything. One thing that always caused my anxiety was my oversharing, or the fact I’d tell too many people things and then feeling I had to “update” them with things. No more. I only tell things, really, to two of my closest friends and to other friends/coworkers/acquaintances, I keep generally pretty mum. Not to say I won’t share things about my life, but more that I won’t share things from topics that I know tend to stress me out. Such as love life (anything from a first date to relationship stories!) or family issues or etc.
Not overthinking. Alright, easier said than done right? But now I *attempt* to be more go with the flow versus overthinking every single thing. I try not to stress out over things, and in a way, I’ve sort of becoming apathetic? Hahah, I don’t know.
Trying to have something planned each week. Even if it’s something as mundane as a doctor’s appointment to something like lunch with a friend on the weekend, I try to have one item (at least) scheduled each week. That way, I have something to “look forward to” each week and my life doesn’t feel like it is only work, work, work!
Being in control of my finances. I have this giant spreadsheet where I keep track of my finances & I review it monthly, at least. It helps me feel in control of my life and my finances and it feels good to see my goals being accomplished!
No more dating apps (for now). I’ve spoken before about dating apps so I won’t get into it much here, but basically, I had this “AHA!” moment where I realized dating apps weren’t helping my anxiety. It was making it worse! So I deleted all my apps. Sometimes, I admit, I do wonder if I should go back on and maybe I’d meet my “Prince Charming” but for now, it’s a good decision to stay off. Plus, I got into graduate schools so I can meet someone in person!
Working on myself. Such as getting my hair done, laser hair removal, LASIK, etc. It may seem vain but these have improved my confidence and so, naturally has helped my anxiety.
I want to say that when you graduate and enter the workforce, the first YEAR can be harsh as you transition. It definitely was for me (and dating apps/relationships did not make it any easier). Just take your time to explore and discover yourself (CHEESY, I KNOW).