When life is chaotic and busy, it’s easy to feel stress, anxiety, and sorrow. Especially as college students, there seems to be no way to maintain a positive outlook amidst hectic class schedules, club and organization commitments, jobs, internships, all while trying to make time to relax and socialize.
Here are a few ways to add calmness to your life to make each day a little more happy and optimistic:
1. Confide in a friend. Talking or venting to a friend is cathartic because it helps you flush out everything on your mind. Friends are also good at validating feelings and ensuring you do not feel alone in what you are experiencing, which is crucial.
2. Take a Break. If you feel yourself getting too stressed to even be productive or effective, then take a break. Taking time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes, can help you recharge. A break can be eating a snack after completing three pages of a paper, or spending Friday night reading a book. Figure out what calms your mind and do it!
3. Deep Breaths. Many people don’t realize the physical strain we put on our bodies when we are stressed or overwhelmed. Consciously taking deep breaths when you feel yourself getting agitated makes a huge difference. This naturally calms the mind and helps you refocus while letting go of the stress. This will become one of your most valued habits, since all you need is yourself for this strategy.
4. Think About What You Have Accomplished. We all forget to give ourselves praise for the small and big things that we accomplish each day. Thinking about a few things you have achieved (from that hectic day or that long week) can motivate you to keep going and remind you that you are capable of a lot more than you realize. Each day is a mini battle and each small accomplishment is something to be proud of.
5. Be mindful. Dwelling on things you can’t change from the past, and becoming anxious about the future are two main causes of stress that we face daily. Instead of focusing on these things, focus on the present moment. Put all of your energy into what you are currently working on, who you are currently talking to, and your current mood. You will see a dramatic decrease in stress, and an increase in calmness. People will wonder what your trick is!
6. Make a Commitment to Yourself. Hold yourself accountable for how you act in daily situations that are stressful. Try to consciously act instead of unconsciously reacting. Promise yourself that you will try to be more calm, centered, and focused on positivity. You are in control of your life- your attitude, your mood, your actions, and how you carry yourself are all up to you.
You have the choice of how you want to live- so choose to be calm!