As a college student, I know just how hard it can be to maintain your sanity. When professors are throwing papers and exams at you, the campus food isn’t hitting the spot, and your roommate just doesn’t seem to understand where you’re coming from, it’s so easy to shut down and let these obstacles wreak havoc on your overall happiness. Here are eight of my tips on how I maintain positive vibes.
1. Don't stress about things that are out of your control
Life can throw all types of situations our way. It’s how we deal with these situations that truly affect our mood. If something happens in your life that you cannot change, just let it be!
2. Exercise!
Amidst a chaotic college schedule, it is important to set aside time to work out. It’s a great way to de-stress, and clear your mind. If you are on the lazier side, don’t be ashamed! Just put down your laptop for a little and take a short stroll around your campus, enjoy nature, and peacefully take in the scenery around you. So, pick out your favorite Beyoncé song, hop on that treadmill, and fit at least 20 minutes of cardio into your day!
3. Be Grateful
In this day and age it’s so easy to lose sight of all the things that we have. We are constantly yearning for more, and worrying about what we don’t have. Instead we should be more appreciative of everything that we do have (i.e. the roof over your head, your education, your siblings, your dog, etc.). God gave you the gift of life this morning, you are blessed!
4. Start every day off on the right foot
When you first wake up, say a prayer and have a positive outlook on your day! Tell yourself that “today is going to be an amazing day.” Speak that positivity into existence.
5. Spoil yourself
Now, I’m not saying to blow your bank account right out of the water. You need to be realistic here, we college students are broke! But, wake up and get dressed every once in a while, not for anyone else but for yourself. Or simply treat yourself to a bowl of Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream after your long chemistry exam. Rewarding yourself every once in a while is definitely the way to go.
6. Stop Caring about the Opinions of Others
This is your life, not theirs! Live your life to the fullest, and do what you want to do. At the end of the day, your contentment should lie within yourself not within others. So you can’t let those opinions or that negativity consume you.
7. Cut people off (If necessary)
If some people in your life are hindering you from your own success or personal happiness, don’t be afraid to snip them out of your life. Delete numbers, unfollow people, gradually spend less time with them, etc. to remove any fake or negative people from your life. Think about it: What are they doing for you? If they’re not adding anything positive to your life, just let go, and watch yourself be better off.
8. Happiness is a choice!
You have the choice to be happy. It’s ultimately your decision on whether or not you want to live a happy and positive lifestyle. Life is too short to be unhappy, grumpy or sad. Its way too short to spend time with and around people who are holding you back from your fullest potential. It’s far too short to be sitting around letting people’s opinions make you question yourself. Go out, be adventurous, and do things you never thought you would do (in the best way possible)! Have fun, be humble, and continuously reach towards success! And remember happiness is achievable, but it's all up to you.
