It sucks when things don’t go the way you planned them to. Or something comes up that’s simply out of your control. But while you can’t always control what happens to you, you can control how you react to it. It may be cliche, but it’s also the truth. So keeping that in mind, read on to find out more ways to get yourself back on track after a tough time. You got this.
If it’s school related:
- Focus on your daily homework assignments and to-do’s for that day. For all you overachievers out there, this may be a tough concept to grasp--but it does help. Take a look at your planner or post-it note list and see what’s on schedule for today. Math test today? Thesis paper due tomorrow? Make sure you highlight and make notes of those important things so you don’t forget about them. Then, take it one task at a time.
- Do not pull an all-nighter, unless it’s absolutely necessary. I know that sometimes it seems like there’s way too much to do and not enough time to do it. But if you don’t have to stay up all night, then don’t! Those precious hours of sleep can really save you in the long run, especially if you have a jam-packed schedule. So set aside time for homework, but make time for sleep too.
- Talk to your classmates, teachers, advisers, and anyone else. Sometimes all you need is a little extra help. So you missed a couple assignments? Go and talk to your professor about maybe making them up! If there’s any chance at extra credit--take it. Chat with another student in your class about how they’re able to keep up with the 40 pages of reading you have to do per night--maybe they’ll have an idea of how to make it easier. The resources are always there, you just have to make use of them.
If it’s personal:
- Seek out support. Whether it be from a parent or a counselor, if you have something that is majorly overwhelming you, then go to your health center to see if you can meet with a wellness professional. Or sometimes all you need is a good ol’ pep talk from your parents. Whomever you go to, use them when you need their advice the most.
- Fix it when you can. If your roommate is bugging the heck out of you with their constant chattering on the phone, then ask them to do that somewhere else. Or if your teacher’s grade seems unfair, then speak up and ask why. There are some things that can be bettered if you just take the initiative to make them that way.
- Do something to distract you. Listening to music, journaling, reading a book or hanging out with your friends are all great ideas for getting your mind off of whatever’s bothering you! You’ll feel better, I promise!
If things are going so very wrong for no reason:
- Let it go. This one is often something people forget, but it does work! Say you got stuck in traffic on your way to work one morning. Well, you can either bang your hands against the wheel and honk your horn--or you can take some deep breaths and clear your mind with some mellow music. You have control over your reaction in any and every situation. So, take the high road and simply not let it bother you. Easier said than done, I know--but once you try it a few times, you'll get the hang of it!
- Blow off steam in a healthy way. There’s a quote I love that perfectly describes what to do for this step: “You’re allowed to cry, you’re allowed to scream, but do not give up.” So yes, you’re allowed to feel--whether that’s sadness or anger or whatever else. But do not lose sight of what’s important to you because of one little mishap or mistake.
- Make a positivity list. This list can be filled with hopes, dreams, goals, future plans or even just things you’re looking forward to. Fill it with inspirational quotes or little post-its. Anything that makes you happier--put it somewhere where you’ll see it and smile when you do.
