Top 10 Ways to Develop A Positive Attitude In College
College life is associated with a whirlwind of emotions; stress, anxiety, tension to name a few. It is rarely a smooth sailing journey and every individual has to go through it. But that does not mean that you don’t get to enjoy it at all. College life can be exciting and fun if you change your perspective. Optimism and positive thinking have shown to have a positive impact on students’ mental health. Here are some ways in which you can develop a positive attitude and have the best time of your life.
1. Use positive language
Using the right words and carrying positive conversations can have a great influence on your mind. The words that come out of your mouth are a direct reflection of your thoughts. So, steer clear of any negativity and think only happy thoughts. When you wake up in the morning say “This is going to a great day!” out loud. Hearing your own positive words can make it easier to believe them.
2. Do not get disheartened with low grades
Grades and marks are a part and parcel of college life. Sometimes you score well and sometimes you don’t get the marks you expected. Don’t worry. You might feel really bad at the moment but trust me it is not the end of the world, no matter how much it feels like it. You are much more than a test score. Encourage yourself with positive quotes. Focus on your hobbies and extracurriculars if studies get too hectic. After all, they are a crucial factor in your college applications. Two birds with one stone!
3. Stop comparing yourself to others
Whatever you are going through is a part of your personal journey. Do not compare your accomplishments with others. A bit of healthy competition is fine as long as it does not take a toll on your mental health. Obsessing over someone else’s life will get you nowhere. Focus solely on your personal goals and take your own time with it.
4. Appreciate the small things
Simply being grateful for what you have in life can help brighten your day. Appreciate the small things and do something that makes you happy. Recognize your privilege and value your blessings.
5. Avoid negative comments about professors or classmates
Just like happiness can be spread with a smile and positive words, even negativity spreads like wildfire with negative thoughts. Avoid being part of conversations that involve bitching about teachers and gossiping about fellow classmates. Negativity fosters pessimism and ruins your mood.
6. Volunteer
Making people happy can give you a sense of satisfaction that no other thing can. Volunteer at organizations that help in making lives better. Seeing someone smile and knowing you are the reason behind it is an incredible, incomparable feeling.
7. Hang out with ‘positive’ people
Invite only positive people in your life. Hang out with friends who make you happy and indulge in positive conversations. Cut out all the toxic people from your life. You do not deserve any negative vibes.
8. Don’t beat yourself up
Stop blaming yourself over and over again. The time and energy you waste in criticizing can be put to much better use. Look at the bright side of things. Look at all that you have achieved and not what you have lost. While it is good to know where you’ve made mistakes and failed, there is no point in regretting it from time to time. What’s done is done. You can’t change the past. What you can do is motivate yourself to do better.
9. Don’t stress out and avoid procrastinating
Stress is the biggest enemy of happiness. While stress to some level might help encourage you to act on things, beyond a point it is toxic for your life. One study has proved that college students nowadays display higher levels of anxiety than the Child Psychiatric Patients in the 1950’s. It is easy to fall prey to stress when you have thousands of deadlines approaching, have to focus on school activities and again maintain a social life! Conquer one thing at a time. Procrastination will only add fuel to the fire. Try to get things done on time.
10. Relax and meditate
As I said before, stressing will only make your college life miserable. Relax once in a while. Go for a walk or spend time on your favorite hobbies. Meditation has also proved to be beneficial in de-stressing yourself. In short, spare some time for activities that make you happy. And if sleeping is on that list, so be it!
