How to Be a Fun Person to Hang out With

Everybody wants to hang out with fun people. Nobody wants to be classified as "boring". It’s just that some of us need a little help in this department. Being fun to hang out with starts with developing healthy self-esteem, an adventurous spirit, and a compassionate personality. All of this will make you an ideal person to hang out with.

Steps

Developing Fun Qualities

1. Be confident. Have a healthy sense of self or good self-esteem. Before you even begin trying to become a fun person, you have to believe you can be a fun person. Nothing is wrong with believing in yourself, and it's looked up to but never looked down on. Most confident people have insecurities.
   
   • There are many ways to build confidence or self-esteem. Try making lists of your strengths and accomplishments. People often focus on their downfalls rather than successes. Remind yourself why people should think you’re fun.
   • Identify and discount any negative ideas you have about yourself. If you think of yourself negatively, others will follow suit.
   • It is important to recognize where your weaknesses are and try to fix them.
   • Don’t be overconfident. Few things are less appealing than egotistic individuals. Don’t be a snob either. People don’t like others who cannot be humble.^[1]
2. Be willing to open up. If you guard yourself or put up walls, no one will get to know you. If they cannot learn more about you, they won’t think you’re fun. Learn to open up.
   
   • Be relatable. People want to hang out with others that have similar aspirations and fears. Tell people what yours are. Talk about your life goals, family, other friends, love of puppies, or whatever else makes you tick. Everyone shares basic goals or concerns. Chances are, if you try, you'll find common ground with just about anyone.
3. Be spontaneous. Don't be afraid to take chances. Think about the fun people you know. They take chances on a regular basis, both socially as well as in their life.
   
   • This is hard at first and takes practice. But the more you do it the sooner it will just become a part of you. Don't think too much, regardless of what anyone tells you. Don't overanalyze things and don't spend a ton of time wondering what could go wrong, what someone else in your position would say, or how you should react to what they're going to say next. ^[2]
4. Be open-minded. Be open to new experiences and different opinions. Try new things. They can be spontaneous or planned out ahead of time. If a friend wants to see a band play a concert, but you don't like the band, try going anyway. Be open to experiences even if they don’t fit your specific tastes. You can always find ways to have fun.
   
   • Everyone is entitled to their opinion. You can still have fun with people even if you don’t agree with their politics or religion. Find things you have in common and emphasize them in conversation. If you know your friend has controversial opinions on a subject, avoid it.

Being a Fun Person to Talk to

1. Show interest. The most important thing to remember about having a conversation is that it goes both ways. Listen and show compassion to others. If people think they can talk to you about anything, they’ll invite you to hang out more often. Don’t monopolize the conversation. If you ignore people or always talk about yourself, they won’t invite you anymore.
   
   • Ask questions. This is a good way to keep a conversation going. It also shows the other person, that you are trying to understand their story or problem.
   • Offer advice if needed or wanted. Some people just want someone to listen to them. They need to get a load off of their chest. Be the person that listens. Give advice based on personal experience.
2. Be positive. Focus on the positive aspects of your life, what you are looking forward to, or what you want to do. We all know that misery loves company, but if you are miserable all the time, others won’t want to hang out with you.
   
   • If you catch yourself saying something negative, try to counter your comment with two positive comments.
   • Try to cheer up the people around you. It will show them that you are compassionate and will generally leave them with the impression that you are a good, fun person.
   • Being positive is a goal as much as it’s an instruction here. Trying to be positive can have an effect on your own mood and quality of life. If you’ve had a terrible day, you can talk about it with people around you, but don’t dwell. Be positive that things will improve. Being positive helps to reduce stress, depression, and even blood pressure.^[3]
3. Have positive body language. Your body needs to match your persona. You can pretend to be cool, say interesting things, and be confident, but if you body screams the opposite, people won’t want to hang out with you.
   
   • Open your stance up. Don’t close yourself off by crossing your arms or hunching over. You want your body to tell people that you welcome their approach.
   • Lean forward. Psychologists explain that leaning forward during a conversation indicates interest. People will think you are more fun to hang out with if you show interest in what they have to say. Lean slightly forward over a table when a friend is talking to you.^[4]
   • Make eye contact. This is another sure-fire way to tell someone you’re listening to them.^[5]
   • With all of these body language principles, don’t overdo them. Opening up your body to ridiculous lengths (like walking around with your arms and legs spread out as far as they can go), leaning too far forward, and refusing to break eye contact, can be incredibly off-putting.
4. Crack jokes. Be confident in your humor. Embrace bad jokes and good ones. If a joke doesn’t get any laughs, just move on with the conversation. Don’t make it awkward.^[6]
   
   • Don’t be afraid to tell a corny joke or make a silly pun. Insert impressions when it fits the conversation. Do your best (or worst) impression of someone you all know, whether it’s a teacher or a coworker. Make comical references to popular movies or television shows.
   • Don’t be afraid of playing the fool, if you are comfortable with it. Dance like a complete fool, pretending like you think you’re the best dancer ever. Wear a ridiculous outfit, or a graphic tee with a silly message.
5. Smile and laugh. Even if you don't feel like smiling, putting on a grin radiates approachability, positivity, and friendliness.^[7] But looking the part of a fun person is half the battle, and it's not even really much of a battle because once you get the hang of it, smiling just becomes a reflex, and an attractive one at that.^[8]
   
   • Of course, don't overdo it and be annoying. You don’t want to make people uncomfortable.

Having Fun Interests

1. Learn how to “hang out”. Hanging out can mean different things to different people. Some people like to just sit around casually, watch TV, play games, or just talk. For others, hanging out can mean doing interesting activities outside the home. Figure out what your friends or prospective friends consider hanging out to be and then tailor your interests to that crowd.
   
2. Tap into popular culture. At least, be aware of all areas of popular culture.^[9] Once you have a solid base, you’ll be able to keep up with and contribute to a variety of conversations.
   
   • Be wary of criticizing popular culture too much. Read the room. You don’t want to be the only one that consistently bashes popular culture topics. Have an opinion, but just make sure that you don’t offend or turn anyone off.
3. Develop a variety of interests. If you have appealing interests or skills, then others will flock to you if they have similar interests. Figure out what interests you naturally, then accentuate those aspects of your personality. Try not to limit your options. What one person considers cool, another person will consider weird.^[10]
   
   • Don’t be afraid to learn to do something physical. Learn to juggle, do gymnastics, play a sport, or dance. You can invite people to do these things with you after you’ve developed the skill. They’ll admire you for it. And you’ll have something to talk about.
   • Learn something new that excites you. You’ve found wikiHow so this should be easy to do. Learn a language, how to make Italian food from scratch, what it takes to do improv comedy, how to write fiction, or how to identify birds based on their songs. It doesn’t matter as long as it excites you. People like learning new things and if you know a lot about something, you can share your excitement for the subject with them.
4. Explore a new part of your city or neighborhood. Just like with skills or knowledge, some people like to get out and try new things. Search for new opportunities in a new part of your town you haven’t seen before and invite your friends to join you, seeing it all as a new adventure. There are a number of great online sources, like TripAdvisor or Eventbrite, that can educate you on your area or events happening near you.^[11]
   
   • Know about your area. Know about new restaurants or public events. Everybody has to eat, so if you know of a great restaurant, you can suggest it. Everybody likes listening to music. Find outdoor concerts in your area and suggest them too.
   • Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Look for different events like slam poetry, roller derby, museum or gallery showings, cooking classes, or yoga in the park. Participate in eclectic events. It will show just how open-minded and spontaneous you are.

Video

Tips

• Make sure you are having fun. Because if you are, then the people around you will too!
• Treat people the way you want to be treated. Show interest in them and they’ll show interest in you.
• Be honest and fulfill your promises. Being trustworthy matters to people and if they know you're reliable, they'll relax a lot more around you.
• Make sure you pick fun people to hang with. If you are miserable, you’re in the wrong situation.

Warnings

• Don’t change yourself in hopes that others will like you. Continue being true to yourself.

Related wikiHows

• Build Self Confidence
• Feel Confident

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hide-and-seek/201205/building-confidence-and-self-esteem
2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-introverts-corner/201411/how-introverts-can-be-more-spontaneous
3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
4. ↑ https://personalitynft.com/psychology/body-language/open-body-language/
5. ↑ https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-secrets-to-making-nonawkward-eye-contact
6. ↑ http://elitedaily.com/life/laughing-is-healthy/727201/
7. ↑ https://fullfocus.co/becoming-a-happy-person/
8. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/smile-personality
9. ↑ http://www.vulture.com/2013/09/100-pop-culture-things-that-make-you-millennial.html
10. ↑ http://www.succeedsocially.com/morefun
11. ↑ http://www.timeout.com

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/XpQ4Zi0

How to Develop Productive Habits

It can be kind of challenging to force yourself to start a bunch of productive habits out of nowhere. Luckily, with a few minor changes to your environment and workflow, anyone can set the stage for success. All it takes is a little bit of preparation and a healthy dose of positive thinking to become the most productive version of yourself.

Steps

Use a daily planner.

1. Mapping your day out will keep you focused on what’s important. Being productive has more to do with organization than effort, so put 5-10 minutes aside every night (or morning) to map out how you’re going to spend the day ahead of you.^[1] Fill in the morning with your most time-sensitive or important tasks and set aside time for emails, organization, and breaks.^[2]
   
   • Set concrete goals for each day. Choose 3 important tasks that you want to accomplish and reserve at least 90 minutes to tackle these goals.^[3]
   • If you want to build your daily schedule in the morning, get up 5-10 minutes earlier than you normally would to make time for it. Productive days don’t start with a rushed morning schedule!
   • Break the day down into sections so that you don’t spend hours in the same place or doing the same thing. Moving around regularly and mixing things up will make it easier to sustain focus throughout the day.^[4]

Stay off of your phone.

1. Unless you’re waiting on an important call, keep your phone on silent. It’s super easy to get distracted by random texts, notifications, and social media. If you catch yourself procrastinating on the phone, stop.^[5] You’re most productive when you’re focused and engaged in what you’re trying to accomplish, so minimizing the most obvious distractions is essential.^[6]
   
   • If you’re compulsively checking social media, there are apps you can download to lock you out of your account part of the day or after you’ve been scrolling for a while.
   • You can always leave your phone in another room or in a desk drawer if you really want to zero in on something.

Declutter your home or workspace.

1. A clean desk and an organized home will help you stay focused. Chaos has a way of drawing your attention away from whatever task you’re trying to complete.^[7] At the end of each day, spend a few minutes throwing out the trash, putting things away, and organizing your workspace or home to get rid of clutter. If you wake up to a clean home or show up at work to a minimalist desk, it’ll be easier to build healthy habits.^[8]
   
   • The phrase “out of sight, out of mind” works the other way as well. People tend to be attracted to whatever is in front of them. If there’s a stack of important files you need to address sitting on your desk, keep them out and take everything else off of your desk.

Complete important tasks before lunch.

1. Most people are more productive in the morning, so do key tasks early. If your goal for the day is to go grocery shopping, don’t put it off until 8 pm when you’re likely to be tired. If you want to pitch a new service to a few important clients, make those calls or schedule those meetings before noon. This way, you won’t have to fight off any afternoon sluggishness when you’re trying to get stuff done.^[9]
   
   • Not only will you get the most important stuff done by scheduling your day this way, but that early feeling of accomplishment will help you maintain momentum throughout the day.
   • If you’re struggling to maintain your energy later in the day and you aren’t at work, take a short rest. A 20-minute nap is a great way to put yourself back into a productive headspace.^[10]

Focus on one thing at a time.

1. Multi-tasking is rarely a productive way to go about things. You’re more likely to get things done if you dedicate all of your energy to a single task at a time. Turn the radio off at work, shut the TV off while you study, and don’t split your time between answering emails and other work-related tasks.^[11] When you switch back and forth between different activities, you lose a lot of energy as your brain recalibrates for the new task. This kind of juggling is not a healthy habit for productivity.^[12]
   
   • You’re most productive when you’re in that flow where time is flying and you’re just totally consumed with what you’re doing. It’s a lot harder to get into that state if you’re constantly jumping between 2-3 different things.^[13]

Find the value in the boring stuff.

1. It’s hard to be productive if you think you’re doing something pointless. Start pushing yourself to find the significance in every single thing you do before you start. For example, if you’re just filling out a timesheet for work, remind yourself that you’re helping your company keep you accountable. In turn, this helps you stay productive at work, and you want to be productive! You can even tie all of that back to your company’s mission and remind yourself why that’s important as well.^[14]
   
   • Finding value in the little stuff also improves your overall attitude. If you walk around all day feeling like you’re wasting your time, you’re never going to get anything done!

Take a short break every hour.

1. Set aside 5-10 minutes to recharge your batteries every hour. Stand up and stretch, step outside for a breath of fresh air, or walk around the hallway for a few minutes. Aside from the fact that this will help you come back to the task at hand feeling recharged, it will also give your body a break from sitting or staring at a screen for too long depending on what you’ve been doing.^[15]
   
   • Many productive folks are big fans of the Pomodoro technique. This is where you work in a series of intense bursts by spending 25 minutes focusing on a task and then taking 5 minutes off. This can be a great option if you find yourself losing momentum after every 35-45 minutes or so.

Make a daily 5-minute investment.

1. Start small and let tiny behaviors snowball into regular habits. Force yourself to spend just 5 minutes a day on a new behavior. Next week, double it. For the next week or two, stick to that 10-minute-a-day rule. After a few weeks, your brain will be so used to spending 10 minutes on this task that it’ll become a habit. This is a phenomenal way to get yourself to build small procedural habits, like working out in the morning or meditating every afternoon.^[16]
   
   • It may be hard to push through that first week if you aren’t used to doing something, but stick with it! It will only get easier over time.
   • Completing your tiny habit at the same time every day will also help turn your behavior into a habit.

Relax on your days off.

1. If you never take some time off, you’re going to burn yourself out. Make sure that you set aside time to hang out with your friends and family, catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to read and do things that you actively enjoy. If you’re constantly pushing yourself to accomplish task after task, you’re going to run yourself into the ground. Chilling out on your days off is important if you’re going to be productive!^[17]
   
   • If you’re going to try and implement a new system or habit, take a vacation or long weekend off to get some relaxation in. There’s some evidence that it’s easier to build a new habit after a prolonged period of relaxation.^[18]

Take care of your body.

1. Eat a healthy diet, keep a regular sleep schedule, and exercise regularly. Do your best to stick to a balanced diet full of lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. Aim to get 8 hours of sleep every night and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.^[19] Try to get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week in the form of running, biking, or weightlifting to relieve stress and feel great about yourself!^[20]
   
   • It’s impossible to build productive habits if you don’t feel good. Taking care of your body is important for your overall health, but it’s also extremely key if you want to be a productive person.
   • Take care of your mind and soul as well! Meditation and yoga are great ways to stay mentally and emotionally healthy.

Reward yourself for building productive habits.

1. As you’re improving your overall productivity, reward yourself for sticking with it. After you fill out your planner for the day, take a minute or two to enjoy a warm cup of coffee. Once you finish filing those reports in the morning, eat a small piece of candy. Giving yourself regular, small rewards for sticking with your productive habits is essential to making those habits permanent.^[21]
   
   • Time your breaks so that you take them right after you’ve finished a productive task. Breaks are a great way to reward yourself and you need to take regular breaks anyway. That’s a win-win!

Daily Habit Tracker

Daily Habit Tracker

Daily Habit Tracker

How Do You Develop Good Habits?

Video

Tips

• It can take a few months for a behavior to gain momentum and turn into a habit. Don’t give up just after a few days!^[22]
• Create a “clocking out” ritual by doing the same thing every day before you stop working. People talk about the importance of starting the day, but finishing your work the same way every day will help you compartmentalize and maintain a clear headspace.^[23]
• There’s very little evidence that working longer hours will make you more productive. People tend to naturally spread their tasks out over a longer period of time if they have it in their head that they’re working late, so don’t worry about being the last one out of the office!^[24]

References

1. ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/03/what-makes-some-people-more-productive-than-others
2. ↑ [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
3. ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting/
4. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/behavioral-health/healthy-lifestyle-changes
5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/automatic-you/202005/learn-how-avoid-distraction-in-world-thats-full-it
6. ↑ [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201607/the-powerful-psychology-behind-cleanliness
8. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/focused.html
9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tracking-wonder/201702/create-a-morning-routine-that-works-for-you
10. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/napping
11. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/
12. ↑ https://www.apa.org/research/action/multitask
13. ↑ [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
14. ↑ [v161148_b01]. 14 March 2019.
15. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/stretching.html
16. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/changing-habits/
17. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-breaks/
18. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2012/03/05/147192599/habits-how-they-form-and-how-to-break-them
19. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm
20. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/guidelines/adults.html
21. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-rewarding-yourself-with-treats
22. ↑ https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/business/resource/eight-great-work-habits-that-can-help-you-stand-out-to-management
23. ↑ https://www.usa.edu/blog/time-management-techniques/
24. ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/03/what-makes-some-people-more-productive-than-others

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/qFwE5nL

How to Practice Self Care

Self-care activities can help you cope with stress and improve overall well-being. Practicing self-care is especially important if you have many responsibilities, like going to school, working at a stressful job, or taking care of a loved one. A good deal of practicing self care is learning how to understand your own needs emotionally, physically, and professionally. If you can understand your needs and learn to put yourself first sometimes, you'll be able to better take care of yourself and your other responsibilities.

How do you practice self-care?

Our expert therapists say that self-care is about physically and emotionally taking care of yourself. In addition to doing things for your health, like showering and brushing your teeth, take time to do things you enjoy and spend time with people you love. Put your needs first.

Steps

Practicing Emotional Self-Care

1. Manage stress. Make attempts to manage and reduce stress in your life. Sources of stress might include having a lot to do with work, school, or taking care of someone else. Identify what you have control over, which is usually just your reaction to the stress.^[1] Practicing relaxation techniques will increase energy, motivation, and productivity. Some simple techniques to reduce stress include:
   
   • Taking 5-30 minutes every morning for meditation or morning pages.
   • Using imagery by finding a quiet spot, closing your eyes, and using all of your senses to imagine a deeply relaxing and peaceful scene. Imagine a space that's meaningful and calming for you.
   • Trying progressive muscle relaxation, where you alternatively tense and relax the muscles throughout your body.
   • Practicing deep breathing.^[2]
   • Trying tai-chi or yoga.
   • Keeping a journal.
   • Taking a hot bath or shower.
2. Surround yourself with supportive people. Spend time with friends, family, and others who make you feel good about yourself. Choose people who respect your needs and boundaries. Make sure the people you spend time with are considerate, reliable, and supportive of your goals. Avoid people who drain you, belittle you, or stress you out.^[3]
   
3. Make time for fun. It's important to make time for fun and leisure, especially when you're stressed. Remember to engage in a variety of things for fun and involve other people. Try one of these ideas:
   
   • Have a date night once a week with your spouse or with your friends.
   • Re-read a favorite book.
   • Watch a favorite movie.
   • Find a hobby to enjoy.
   • Listen to peaceful music.
   • Buy an adult coloring book.
4. Consider counseling. Know when you're feeling overwhelmed and don't be afraid to seek professional help. Needing to talk to somebody doesn't make you broken, it makes you human. Put effort into finding somebody you can trust and connect with. If you're not able to form a relationship with your therapist, the arrangement won't be beneficial. Counseling is beneficial to self-care because it:
   
   ^[4]
   • Gives you a safe place to talk and process.
   • Helps you deal better with daily stressors and worries.
   • Allows you to get an objective opinion.
   • Encourages you to live a better life.
5. Give yourself affirmations.^[5] Encourage and validate yourself by saying something affirming to yourself. Pick a phrase or saying that's positive, personal, powerful, and precise. Some examples you can try:^[6]
   
   • “I can do this.”
   • “I believe in myself.”
   • “I love and accept myself.”
   • “I am doing my best.”
   • “This too shall pass.”

Practicing Physical Self-Care

1. Exercise regularly. Moving around does so many great things for you and can be done in the comfort of your own home! Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, even if it's just in 10-minute intervals. It's okay if you can't exercise every single day, just aim for most days of the week. Choose activities that are fun and interesting for you. Try to do a variety of different activities to keep things interesting. You can:^[7]
   
   • Take the dog for a walk.
   • Dance in your house.
   • Do yard work.
   • Join an exercise class at a local gym.
   • Stretch or do yoga.
2. Eat healthy foods.^[8] Eating healthy foods will help keep you energized and your body healthy. When you're busy working or taking care of others, it can be difficult to plan and cook a healthy meal for yourself. Eventually though, the easy foods you tend to grab are going to drain you and leave you feeling unhealthy. Some ways to modify your diet a little to better take care of yourself:
   
   • Eat whole grains.
   • Eat more dark green vegetables.
   • Eat a variety of fresh or frozen fruit.
   • Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
   • Try a variety of lean proteins.
   • Eat regular meals and snacks.
3. Get adequate sleep. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night. Most people need about 7-9 hours to feel at their best the next day. It can be difficult to take care of your sleep schedule when your stressed, overworked, busy with work or school, or caring for a sick loved one. Try to:
   
   • Set a goal of when you want your bedtime to be and try to stick to it.
   • Make sure your bedroom is free of distractions, such as the television.
   • Get a sleep and exercise tracker, such as a Fitbit, that tracks the quality of your sleep.
   • Make your bedroom a peaceful place, with clean linens, comfortable bedding, and soft lighting.
4. Monitor your physical health. Another practice of good physical self-care is ensuring you monitor your physical health. When you're sick, take time off work or school. Schedule regular appointments with your doctor. Make sure you're taking any prescriptions consistently and accurately.^[9]
   
   • Take time to appreciate every amazing thing your body does. Remember that your body is working to keep you alive, so take care of it well. Pay attention to body sensations and notice spots of attention.
5. Take a vacation. Schedule time-off from your responsibilities. Vacations don't necessarily have to be yearly trips to the beach, as those can be stressful and expensive. Vacations can be mini-breaks that you take from stress throughout the week or month. For example, schedule time off just for quiet and relaxation for half an hour every day. Find places inside or outside your home that are comforting to you.
   
   • If you are able to take a trip away from home, plan your vacation so that it's not more work and stress for you. Don't schedule too many activities and over-extend yourself.
6. Make time for intimacy. Physical touch is comforting, reassuring, and stress reducing. Hug a friend. Cuddle or hold hands with your partner. Don't neglect your sex life.
   

Practicing Professional Self-Care

1. Schedule regular breaks. Make sure you take breaks to get up, walk around, and clear your thoughts at work when you're stressed. Don't work through your lunch break. Consider getting up to stretch or talk to coworkers to re-energize yourself. Also take regular breaks to get water.^[10]
   
2. Make your workplace comfortable. Try to create a workspace that makes you feel calm, capable, and motivated. This will reduce your stress load and help you feel more productive at work. You can:^[11]
   
   • Buy plants for your office or cubicle.
   • Declutter your desk.
   • Make sure your chair is comfortable and adjusted well.
   • Wear noise-canceling headphones to give yourself some quiet while working.
   • Sit near a window for natural light, which is better than fluorescent lighting.
3. Know when to negotiate. To better enjoy your job and reduce your stress load, know when to negotiate and when to ask for help. This will allow you to feel more empowered and less alone at work. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself for a raise or promotion. Don't be afraid to ask for help from colleagues, superiors, or clients. Seek out opportunities for supervision, consultation, or training.^[12]
   
4. Don't take work home with you. In order to keep better work-life balance and reduce stress, try to avoid taking any work home with you. This means avoiding taking physical work home, as well as avoiding thinking about work while you're at home.
   
   • If you work from home, schedule specified times for work-related tasks and don't let them interfere with home tasks. For example, after 5 p.m. make sure you stop checking emails or answering calls for work, even though you may technically be available. Keep a work space at home that's separate from your other spaces.^[13]

Improving Your Approach to Self-Care

1. Put your own needs first. It's not selfish to put your own needs first. In fact, you'll be better able to help others when you've been focusing on your own health, both mentally and physically.
   
2. Ask for help when you need it. It can be difficult to ask for or accept help when you need it. Putting up a “tough” front when you're stressed and feeling like you have to take care of everything will only drag you down. Let your friends and family help you.^[14] It can be easier to ask for help if you:^[15]
   
   • Make a list of things you need help with.
   • Avoid weakening your requests, instead be specific.
   • Consider the other person's abilities and interests when asking for help.
3. Say “no” and set limits with others. Make sure you're not always the one helping everyone else out. You're only human and you can't do it all. Practice saying “no” to more responsibilities and saying “yes” to more opportunities for fun and connection with others.^[16]
   
   • Keep in mind not to apologize when you have to say “no.” Often times we place far too much stress on ourselves. You don't have to apologize for refusing to take on anything too overwhelming that will compromise your own well being.
4. Practice time management. Time management skills are essential to keep you less stressed and more productive. It's important to balance the demands in various areas of your life in order to better care for yourself.^[17]
   
   • Make to-do lists.
   • Schedule professional and personal activities using a calendar.
   • Set precise, realistic, and small goals.
   • Stop procrastinating.
   • Create a morning ritual and stick to it.

How Do You Practice Effective Self-Care?

Video

Tips

• Keep a gratitude journal. It's scientifically proven that being grateful for ten things everyday makes you happy, along with other benefits.
• You may feel guilty about practicing self-care. Try to let it go! It's essential that you think of your own needs in order to feel happy and fulfilled.

Related wikiHows

• Improve Your Self Esteem
• Be Self Reliant
• Be Confident

References

Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.caregiver.org/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers
2. ↑ [v161447_b01]. 19 June 2020.
3. ↑ https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/resources/self-care-starter-kit/additional-self-care-resources/developing-your-support-system.html
4. ↑ http://highschool.latimes.com/hs-insider/five-common-myths-about-counseling/
5. ↑ [v161447_b01]. 19 June 2020.
6. ↑ https://uwf.edu/academic-engagement-and-student-affairs/departments/counseling-and-psychological-services/self-help-library/self-help-topics/self-esteem/#d.en.204218
7. ↑ https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/home/self-care-kit/exercises/tips-for-increasing-physical-activity.pdf
8. ↑ [v161447_b01]. 19 June 2020.
9. ↑ https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/home/self-care-kit/self-care-assessment.pdf
10. ↑ https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/home/self-care-kit/self-care-assessment.pdf
11. ↑ https://hbr.org/2012/01/how-to-make-a-bad-workspace-wo
12. ↑ https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/home/self-care-kit/self-care-assessment.pdf
13. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217996
14. ↑ https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/resources/self-care-starter-kit/additional-self-care-resources/developing-your-support-system.html
15. ↑ https://www.caregiver.org/taking-care-you-self-care-family-caregivers
16. ↑ [v161447_b01]. 19 June 2020.
17. ↑ https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/home/self-care-kit/exercises/time-management.pdf

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Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Expert tips on altering (or accepting) your unique face shape

Beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t face shapes that some people prefer over others. Face shapes like oval, heart, and square are typically considered attractive, depending on who you ask, but at the end of the day, any face shape can be beautiful!. In this article, we explain which face shape is considered the most attractive, do a deep dive into the other face shapes, explain how to accept your face shape, and more, all with the help of professional hair stylists and cosmetologists! Read on to learn more about the most attractive face shapes.

Which face shape is most attractive?

Master cosmetologist Shun Pittman believes that oval is the ideal face shape, with a round forehead, curved jawline, narrow chin, and elongated look. It fits the Golden Ratio, which is considered the ideal ratio for symmetry and aesthetic appeal. However, the attractiveness of any face shape is ultimately subjective.

Steps

What is the most conventionally attractive face shape?

1. Overall, the oval face shape is considered the most attractive. According to master cosmetologist Shun Pittman, “the ideal face shape is oval.”^[1] This is due to the balanced proportions of the oval face shape, which is characterized by a gently curved jawline, a slightly rounded forehead, a chin that’s narrower than the forehead, and an elongated look.
   
   • Oval face shapes tend to fit the Golden Ratio (a face with a length that’s 1.618 times the width), which is a baseline ratio used by cosmetologists and surgeons that denotes “ideal" facial structure.^[2]
   • Even though the oval face shape is widely considered the most attractive (per conventional beauty standards), that doesn’t mean other face shapes are any less attractive. Beauty is subjective, and attractiveness tends to depend on the individual person.
   • Conventional beauty standards change constantly, so the “most attractive” face shape has changed throughout history, and is likely different depending on who you ask!
   • Find out your face shape by taking wikiHow’s Face Shape Quiz!
2. For women, the most attractive face shapes are diamond and heart. Diamond and heart face shapes are characterized by their high cheekbones, wide foreheads, and slim, narrow chins, which are traditionally associated with femininity and youthfulness. Many people find these face shapes to be especially attractive on women, as they give off youthful and feminine appearances with balanced proportions.^[3]
   
   • Once again, this doesn’t mean other face shapes are unattractive on women, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
3. For men, square-shaped faces are often considered the most attractive. The symmetrical, square face shape is often associated with a sense of rugged masculinity, especially when the man has a strong jawline. Square face shapes are defined by a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline of the same width, with the jawline and forehead being wider and more pronounced than on other face shapes.^[4]
   
   • This accentuates the face’s natural angles, further emphasizing that masculine look and contributing to the face shape’s perceived attractiveness.

All Face Shapes & Their Characteristics

1. Oval{endbold} The oval face shape is characterized by a length that’s slightly larger than the width (ideally 1.618 times the size, according to the Golden Ratio), a forehead width that’s slightly smaller than the cheekbone width, and a rounded jawline and chin. The proportions of the oval face shape tend to be extremely symmetrical, contributing to its status as the conventionally most attractive face shape.^[5]
   
   • Celebrity Examples:
     • Beyoncé
     • Charlize Theron
     • Jessica Alba
     • Jake Gyllenhaal
     • Idris Elba
     • Michael Jordan
2. Triangle{endbold} There are two types of triangle faces. The first is characterized by high cheekbones, a narrow jaw, and a slim chin that comes to a point, just like an inverted triangle. The second is the reverse, and it’s characterized by a wide jawline, a narrow forehead, and a chin that comes to a point slightly below the base of the jawline, like a standard triangle.^[6]
   
   • Celebrity Examples:
     • Jennifer Lawrence
     • Victoria Beckham
     • Meghan Markle
     • Timothee Chalamet
     • Jonah Hill
     • Jason Derulo
   • Triangle face shapes are also known as pear face shapes.
3. Round{endbold} Unlike other face shapes, round face shapes are characterized by their soft, round features, which lack angularity. The hairline and jawline are the roundest features, the cheeks are full, and the face length and width are equal, further contributing to the round look.^[7]
   
   • Celebrity Examples:
     • Selena Gomez
     • Quinta Brunson
     • Emma Stone
     • Leonardo DiCaprio
     • Usher
     • Kodak Black
4. Square{endbold} Similar to actual squares, square face shapes are defined by their equal width, specifically the width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline. The jawline and forehead are wide and pronounced, and the structure is angular with minimal curvature, particularly around the sides.^[8]
   
   • Celebrity Examples:
     • Angelina Jolie
     • Taraji P. Henson
     • Lucy Liu
     • Brad Pitt
     • Michael B. Jordan
     • Channing Tatum
5. Diamond{endbold} Diamond face shapes take the oval face shape and add some angularity to it. Diamond face shapes are characterized by their high and well-defined cheekbones, which have a slightly wider width than the forehead, and narrow, pointed chins. Even the hairline has some angularity to it, coming to a point in the center that’s similar to the sharp point of the diamond.^[9]
   
   • Celebrity Examples:
     • Vanessa Hudgens
     • Halle Berry
     • Megan Fox
     • Robert Pattinson
     • Jimmy Butler
     • Cillian Murphy
6. Heart{endbold} The heart face shape lives up to its name, as it’s characterized by a narrow chin with a strong point, a wide jawline and high cheekbones, and an even wider forehead. People with heart-shaped faces tend to have a widow’s peak, as well, with the size varying from person to person.^[10]
   
   • Celebrity Examples:
     • Reese Witherspoon
     • Scarlett Johansson
     • Sydney Sweeney
     • Chris Pine
     • Donald Glover
     • Chris Hemsworth
7. Oblong{endbold} An oblong face shape is a face that’s longer than it is wide, similar to an oval face shape. Key characteristics include a forehead, jawline, and cheekbones that all share the same length, again, similar to oval faces. The key difference is that oblong face shapes are much longer (about three times longer than their width).^[11]
   
   • Celebrity Examples:
     • Keke Palmer
     • Liv Tyler
     • Kelly Rowland
     • Ben Affleck
     • Jay Z
     • Keanu Reeves

How to Alter Your Face Shape

1. Get a haircut that complements your face shape. According to master hair stylist Jamie Bushman, the shape of your haircut really matters if you’re trying to minimize or maximize your existing face shape.^[12] So, if you’re looking to alter your face shape without any major, time-consuming procedures, choose a haircut that goes well with your face shape.
   
   • Not only will this alter your face shape, but it can also help improve your confidence, which is the first step to accepting your face shape.
   • Professional hair stylist Gina Almona says that people with oval faces can wear any type of bangs, while those with round faces should avoid bangs.^[13]
   • Facial hair specialist Marlon Rivas says that “a person with a more rounded [face] shape should wear their beard a little bit tighter in the area where it grows behind the ears.” Slightly trim it into a blend around the cheekbones, too.^[14]
   • Here are some guides to finding the right haircut for your face shape:
     • Determining Your Face Shape & The Right Hairstyle (Women)
     • Determining Your Face Shape & The Right Hairstyle (Men)
     • Choosing a Haircut That Flatters Your Face Shape
     • Stylish Haircuts for Men with Oval-Shaped Faces
2. Use contouring or other makeup techniques to temporarily alter your face. Makeup techniques are extremely useful for giving the illusion of a different face shape without fully committing to those changes. Contouring can make the cheekbones seem a different size, and focusing on how light and shadows reflect off your face can temporarily alter the look of your face, making them useful options for temporarily changing your face shape.
   
   • According to makeup artist Alana Schober, contouring makes the cheekbones pop out and adds a little bit more structure to the face.^[15]
   • Makeup artist Shara Strand says, “On a round face shape, an angular and more shaped brow will give definition to [the] face and eye shape.”^[16]
3. Look into cosmetic surgeries and enhancements with caution. Cosmetic surgeries and enhancements, like forehead contouring, forehead reduction surgery, cheek augmentation, lip filler, and jawline and chin reshaping, can help change the shape and composition of your face to what you prefer. However, some of these surgeries have long recovery times, may cost a lot, and can pose serious risks if not approached with care. If you really you want a more permanent change, consider these procedures:
   
   • Rhytidectomy (facelift): Cosmetic surgery intended to give a more youthful appearance by lifting and tightening sagging skin and tissues in your face and neck.
   • Jaw reduction: Surgery that removes bone from the back of the jaw for a slimmer face and smoother jawline.^[17]
   • Jaw enhancement: Surgery that enhances the volume near the back of the jaw using a surgical implant or the patient’s own bone to add definition and elongation.^[18]
   • Forehead augmentation: Minimally invasive injection that changes the shape of the forehead using methyl methacrylate (MMA), hyaluronic acid fillers, fat grafts, or custom or pre-made silicone implants.^[19]
   • Always get facial surgeries and enhancements done by a licensed surgeon with good reviews and a history of safe, successful surgeries and enhancements.

How to Accept Your Face Shape

1. Embrace the uniqueness of your face—every shape is beautiful! According to love and relationship coach Nicole Moore, “Confidence comes from owning your unique attributes and understanding what you have to offer.”^[20] To own those unique attributes, Bushman says to consider what you like about your face. All face shapes are beautiful, and you don’t have to put yourself into a box where you strive for an oval face shape.^[21]
   

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What traits are common in less popular face shapes? Generally, asymmetrical shapes or excessive angles in the face are common in less popular face shapes, but this doesn’t mean you’re unattractive if you have those traits. It simply means that these features don’t appeal to some (but they do appeal to others).
   • Depending on your gender and the beauty standards of your community, these traits may differ.
2. How do cultural differences shape opinions on face shapes? Different cultures have different beauty standards, so different face shapes are considered attractive by different cultures. For example, one culture may find round and heart-shaped faces extremely attractive, while another may prefer square or oval-shaped faces.
   • The influence, representation, and prominence of those cultures (and their differences) can determine what’s considered attractive in the larger society that those cultures influence.
3. Which face shape is the rarest? The diamond face shape is the rarest, being defined by wide, prominent cheekbones, a narrow forehead, and a narrow chin. Genetics are responsible for face shape, as they combine the facial characteristics of your parents to determine what yours will be.^[22]

Video

References

1. ↑ [v161775_b02]. 17 Jun 2021.
2. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/science/golden-ratio
3. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7501398/
4. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/what-is-my-face-shape#toc-square-face-shape
5. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/what-is-my-face-shape#toc-oval-face-shape
6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/what-is-my-face-shape#toc-triangle-face-shape
7. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/what-is-my-face-shape#toc-round-face-shape
8. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/what-is-my-face-shape#toc-square-face-shape
9. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/what-is-my-face-shape#toc-diamond-face-shape
10. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/what-is-my-face-shape#toc-heart-face-shape
11. ↑ https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/oblong-face-shapes/
12. ↑ [v161949_b01]. 16 Sep 2021.
13. ↑ [v161206_b01]. 12 Dec 2019.
14. ↑ [v161234_b01]. 17 Jan 2020.
15. ↑ [v161823_b02]. 15 Jun 2021.
16. ↑ [v161355_b01]. 15 Apr 2020.
17. ↑ https://ambrdfcs.org/blog/how-jawline-procedures-improve-facial-appearance/
18. ↑ https://ambrdfcs.org/blog/how-jawline-procedures-improve-facial-appearance/
19. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24086816/
20. ↑ [v161965_b01]. 6 Oct 2021.
21. ↑ [v161949_b01]. 16 Sep 2021.
22. ↑ https://www.glam.com/1665287/rarest-face-shapes-features-expert/

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