- Smile more!
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It’s a well known fact that smiling can put you in a better mood. No matter how bad you’re feeling, flashing those pearly whites sends dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin to your brain. These are the the ~feel good~ neurotransmitters that can turn your frown upside down. Not only can smiling make you feel better, but it impacts others around you. Let’s face it, no one wants to hang out with a Debbie Downer. Smiling is by far the easiest way to spread the good vibes all around.
- Make your feelings a priority
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We all know that you must put your own oxygen mask on before helping anyone else. This isn’t just an airplane safety protocol, but something we should remember in everyday life. Repeat after me ladies: SELF CARE IS NOT SELFISH. Remember that each morning you have the choice to decide how you feel. Choose happiness! It makes life a lot more fun.
- For every negative thought, think two positive ones
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One of my best friends gave me this piece of advice recently, and let me tell you it’s a great life hack. Any time you think negatively about yourself or any situation you are in, find just two positive ones to cancel it out. I know it might sound silly, trying to make a game out of positive thinking; but focus on the good things going on and you will for sure feel happier.
- Don’t dwell on things out of your control
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Spending your time moping around about the past will not change anything. Bombed your last exam? That really stinks and it’s okay to acknowledge that you could have done better. However, letting this ruin your day is not okay. The past is the past. Instead of beating yourself up, make a plan to do better next time. Let this bad experience fuel your fire and you’ll kill your next exam!
- Trust your gut
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This one is a little tricky. Deep down we all know when red flags pop up in toxic people or situations. If you are unhappy, it’s up to you to find the strength and make a change. Stop hanging out with that “friend” who just makes you feel bad about yourself after every encounter. Still be polite, of course, but distancing yourself from them will stop their toxicity from creeping into your mind.
- Actually talk to the person sitting next to you in class
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I know at 8 a.m. it’s hard enough just to get to class, let alone be in the mood to converse with anyone. Just a simple “hello” to that girl you sit next to could really brighten her morning. I promise she won’t think you’re a weirdo.
- Perform random acts of kindess
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Starting in 2018, I made a goal for myself to perform one act of kindness a day. Simple actions such as giving someone a compliment or picking up a pencil someone dropped are just nice things to do. I paid for my friend’s coffee the other day and it was so worth it to see them smile.
- Call or text that person you miss
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If you’ve ever received one of these texts, you would know how good it feels. If you hear a song that makes you think of someone, tell them! If you see something that reminds you of that special someone, let them know! You’ll give them that warm fuzzy feeling by letting them know you’re thinking about them.
- Practice gratitude
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Even at your lowest points you still have a lot of great things going for you. Never forget that. Whether it is a loving family, amazing friends, or your health. I find it helpful to make a list of these things in my phone and look at them whenever I’m feeling down as a reminder that I am lucky to have the things I do.
- Use your manners
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This is another really simple one. If someone holds a door for you acknowledge it and say thank you! If you’re asking for something say please! It’s the little things like this that can spread positivity all around.
With midterm season approaching, now is the perfect time to spread positivity, collegiettes!