Life's got its ups and downs, something I've realized very clearly as of late. My first semester of college has not exactly gone quite the way I was expecting it to.This has caused me to acquire a more negative point of view regarding everyday life, along with falling into a state of depression.This is not how I am used to feeling, so feeling this way is something I don't enjoy one bit. Becoming mentally stable and increasing my positivity was very important to me, so I took matters into my own hands and found a cure for my “funk.” Below are only a few of the most important aspects that helped me overcome it.
Journaling
Keeping a daily journal of your thoughts and ideas is one of the easiest ways to calm yourself down and clear your mind. Writing everything down, both positive and negative things, can prevent you from forgetting anything meaningful or significant. It can also help your brain to focus on things yet to come, distracting it from any present negative thoughts. Journaling is something that has significantly relaxed me and kept me from feeling overwhelmed by the stress of college life. Writing right before bed also helps me sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next day.
Cutting Out the Fats
Ever since starting college, I have found it increasingly more difficult to eat healthy and maintain a regular diet. College food is saltier, greasier, and more fattening than the food I was used to eating at home, which I am not too happy about. There is no doubt that what I am eating contributed in some way to how I was feeling. Scientific studies have proven that fatty foods contribute to a decrease in cognitive function (NY Times) which leaves you feeling sluggish and unable to focus as well. I knew there wasn’t much to do since I am basically chained into a meal plan. But I knew I had to do something, so I began cutting down on the French fries (as hard as that was) and filling up my plate with more low fat options such as grilled chicken and salad. I am noticing a significant change in my mood, purely from what I’m feeding my body and I’m finding it easier to stay awake and focused in class.
Physical Activity + Music = :)
Getting exercise is important to staying positive because it can make both your mind and body feel amazing. Setting goals can limit distractions and motivate you to have a positive outlook on your future. Ever since I began working out more, I have noticed that I have felt better, both physically and mentally. Whenever I hit up the gym, I love to listen to upbeat music because it pumps me up and keeps me motivated throughout the workout. Creating a special playlist for working out, filled with powerful and upbeat songs can be extremely important. I recently created a playlist on Spotify and named it “positivity (:” and each and every song on the list either has a special meaning to me personally, or is a song that has powerful and motivating lyrics meant to get you up and moving. Music is something that I believe has special powers if you find the right song(s).
Support from Friends and Family
Leaning on friends for mental and emotional support is the single most important thing you can do in a time of struggle. They are the ones that know you best and can provide you with advice and helpful words to help your out of your hard times. My best friend has been extremely important in the process of overcoming my “funk.” Something as simple as being there to talk is the most relieving thing in the world. The fact that she surprised me with a box of chocolate was just a plus. But hey, chocolate makes everything better, right? Even getting away from the negativity is a great option. Plan a spontaneous trip into the city for the day. It will get your mind off the stress and distract you, at least for a little while. Family members are also a great resource because they can provide you with that motherly or fatherly advice that we can all appreciate once and a while. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to be right in front of them, they’re great for hugs!
Staying positive is not hard to do with the right tools, most of which are already right in front of you! Everyone has bad days, weeks, and even months. It may seem like your world is crashing down, but I have realized that I’m not alone and there are plenty of outlets to which I can channel my emotions to make me feel better. Overcoming the negativity that life throws at us is difficult but far from impossible. So pick yourself up and keep on walking. In the end, it will always be worth it.
