If your’e human (which I’m guessing you are if you’re reading this article), you understand how challenging it is to keep a positive, happy mindset. Being in school, the struggle to balance your academics, social life, physical and mental health, and work is overwhelming. Let’s just say the phrase is a cliché for a reason. Finding yourself caught in the middle of this mess we call college education is one that can put a real damper on your optimism towards, well, everything. Here are some tips on how to remain sane when life gets too much:
Make lists, lists, and more lists: This is one of those things I think most people look past as having a huge impact on your life. While making to-do lists are important in organizing your cluttered mind, the lists that truly make the difference are the ones deeper than that. Try waking up each morning writing down a couple things you are thankful for (this can be as heartfelt as one-in-a-million friends to as casual as hearing your favorite song in the car). Next write down a few things you want to happen that day (doesn’t necessarily mean specific tasks but more along the lines of complimenting someone on their eyes or smiling more often). Physically writing things down rather than simply thinking them in your mind can make all the difference.
http://heathertickmd.com/why-you-need-a-gratitude-list/
Stop with the phone: Millennials and iGens have this belief that phones are a solution for everything—-Caught in an awkward situation? Phone. Bored before going to bed? Phone. Want to be social without leaving the house? Phone. As technology has advanced, our desire for techology has too. Although cell phones have positives to them, spending an excessive amount on them has provened to tamper with a person’s mental health—-check out the article below on more information. The competitive, addictive nature of social media can likely be putting you in a poor mood (especially affecting your self esteem and/or confidence).
Get sweaty: Google the benefits of exercise and you’re likely to find pages and pages of results, however it’s underestimated how greatly mental health is improved by going for a work out. People are most often focused on the physical aspect of exercising that they don’t recognize how good it is for their brain. The release of happy chemicals + looking good, feeling good is an unstoppable combination!
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/27/mental-health-benefits-exercise_n_2956099.html
Neg(Positivity)ative: As young adults, it’s easy to develop self pity and see the worst in situations, but finding the good in the bad is a real lifesaver when it comes to obtaining a positive mindset. Whether it’s reminding yourself that you have the opportunity for education or a warm bed and full meal to come home to after a bad day at work, it’s all about looking on the bright side. Being an optimist goes far beyond the surface—-read below to explore some of these.
https://my.happify.com/hd/10-reasons-to-think-like-an-optimist/
Seeing everything as a privilege: If you grew up in a financially stable household, it’s easy to take advantage of the mundane things within your life. Usually, it’s not until you starting viewing what you assume to be a right as a privilege, that you are consistently appreciative of what you have. It could be having a toothbrush to brush your teeth or shoes to cover your feet—-all of it is opportunity we need to treasure.