A Self-conscious Girl's Guide to Caring Less ...

1. Realize Most People Aren't Thinking about You

This might sound a little harsh. But if you can accept this reality, you might feel less self-conscious about yourself. The same way you're worrying about yourself and obsessing about how others perceive you, others are thinking the same thing about themselves.

2. Realize Your Critics Have the Problem, Not You

Although most people are too busy worrying about themselves to think about you, some people might always have an opinion about you. In this case, realize they're the ones with the problem, not you. If someone always has something negative to say about you, and if there's no basis for these feelings, their attitude might be a sign of jealousy. You can't control how others feel, so don't let unfair opinions take your joy.

3. Everybody Has Insecure Moments

You're not alone, and everyone has an insecure moment at some point or another. Whether you're insecure about your weight, your personality or the way you dress, realize this is part of growing up. And while you might be going through an awkward stage, this is temporary and something every young girl goes through.

4. Nobody Expects Perfection from You

If you're a perfectionist, you might feel self-conscious if you're unable to give your best in every task or assignment. However, nobody expects perfection from you. We all make mistakes, and most people won't judge you based on your mistakes. It's your accomplishments that matter.

5. Learn How to Laugh at Your Mistakes

If you're self-conscious and always worrying about yourself, any mistake can prove embarrassing. But if you learn to laugh at your mistakes, people are less likely to remember them. On the other hand, if you get an attitude whenever you make mistakes or burst into tears, this can shape others opinions about you, which can feed into your fears that others are judging you.

6. Stay Busy

Our minds cannot focus on two things at one time. So if you start feeling self-conscious and worrying about the mistakes you've made, or how others perceive you, jump into an activity to take your mind off your problems. Maybe you can go for a walk, watch a movie, read a book or start a craft project.

7. Identify Your Strengths

You might feel self-conscious if you think you have nothing to offer. But chances are, you have a lot of good qualities and strengths. Make a list of all your good qualities. If you need help coming up with a list, speak to a close relative or friend. Other can usually see our good traits before we can.

Feelings of self-conscious won't go away overnight. But if you practice caring less, you're less likely to focus so much energy on the opinions of others. You're not perfect, and you're going to make mistakes. But this doesn't mean people are judging you or thinking less of you.

What are other ways to become more self-confident and stop worrying about the opinions of others?