Being a college student, it is so easy to get distracted with what is important in life. Sometimes, it’s finishing a term paper or finishing the semester without having a 2007 Britney style breakdown, other times it’s getting two hours of sleep after a long night out with friends and before a long day of working at our summer jobs. No matter what it is that leads us astray, it is all too common to forget the following 10 things in the midst.
1. Your family, no matter how annoying they can be, will unconditionally love and support you.
They’re like little friends that are stuck with you. FOREVER. Utilize them for advice, activities, free food, anything you can squeeze out of them really.
2. Diet and exercise help you feel good.
This is not the only thing that is important in life, but when you are mentally in a good place, it is so much easier to eat well and spend time outdoors (typically this occurs during summer when weather cooperates). Focusing on food or “losing weight” is not important: feeling good is. Good foods and outdoor activities are are both useful.
3. Indulging also has a place in your happiness.
Turning to ice cream or alcohol are never the long-term answers for me, being lactose intolerant and working out at 5:30 am for workouts are not exactly conducive to potential hangovers. That does not, however, indicate that the occasional indulgence does not totally hit the spot and make us feel amazing. And when we are in a good place, we can certainly justify such rewards.
4. Work is never that bad.
If you are fortunate enough to have a job, enjoy it. Again, this does not apply to long-term occupations, but all you part-time waitresses, CNAs, retail workers, construction workers, and all other college students holding a job that pays the bills and helps us survive school in any way--be thankful that you’re making money.
5. Spending money can feel good, too.
Money cannot buy happiness, but it can definitely buy things that make us happy. I am a believer in saving, but like food and like everything in life, indulging is something that feels much more justified when we are in a good place.
6. Everything is doable.
It is so easy to fall into the habit of thinking that our goals are impossible. But whether we are the planning type, or people who simply need to jump into a project to complete it, when we are in a good mental place, we are much more self-efficacious.
7. Friends are amazing outlets.
Even on our worst days, we know that our friends will be by our side. So why not reach out to them when we’re feeling good. Grab drinks, grab coffee, make time to see them in the good and the bad.
8. But spending a night alone is completely refreshing as well.
Getting used to our own company is key. Rest and relaxation are also essential to mental health. Strike up the netflix, people, WE’RE STAYING IN BED TONIGHT.
9. Unplugging from technology releases tension.
Social media is not the answer. It is a good outlet to keep us busy when we are bored, and I am guilty of spending TOO much time “catching up” on my feeds. Release the curiosity, unplug or shut down and you’ll be surprised at how much better you feel. When we are in a good place, or when I am at least, I find myself less curious about what everyone else is doing.
10. Making “me time” is not only wonderful, it’s necessary.
You must put yourself first, no one else is going to do it for you. When you are in a good mental place, remember what is important and what you really want and make time for those things.
