It's one day until spring break and you just cannot wait to get done with midterms. So, what are your plans for spring break? You probably didn't think of any because of the constant studying and writing of papers due within hours.
Let's be real. We are broke college kids who can't afford a week long trip to Cancun. So, we are left with the relaxing week of doing nothing: no homework, no projects, no classmates to deal with and no meetings. But there is one slight issue. You have to go home to sometimes nagging parents forcing you to go do something with your life. You can't go hang out with old hometown friends because everyone has different spring breaks, and you certainly do not want to look for a new job. What are you going to do with all this free time?
Take the Think Positive Every Day challenge! A five-day challenge to better your mood, get you feeling good and to get a little exercise in.
Negative emotions narrow your mind and prevent your brain from seeing the other options and choices that surround you. When you experience positive emotions, you will see more possibilities in your life. In the short term, you feel joy, contentment, love and happiness. The long term effects of positive thoughts are the biggest benefit. They provide you with an enhanced ability to build skills and develop resources for life.
I am challenging you to think of at least one positive thought and complete one relaxation method each day during spring break. Write it down, if necessary. At the end of the week, reflect on how these positive thoughts and energy have influenced your daily routine and decision making.
Day one.
Positive thought: Catch a stranger doing something right, kind, or lovely. Simply notice it.
Relaxation: Go on a scenic hike. Find a creek or woods trail near your home and soak in the presence of nature!
Day two.
Positive thought: Find something beautiful in one thing where it could be easily overlooked.
Relaxation: Color outside (if it is warm enough).
Day three.
Positive thought: Before you get out of bed in the morning, think about why you're glad to be given the gift of another day. What is one thing you look forward to today?
Relaxation: Take your dog for an extra long walk (or cat, whatever floats your boat).
Day four.
Positive thought: Identify one thing you appreciate in someone you know. Extra credit: tell them.
Relaxation: Scrapbook! Take old and new memories and put them together in a fun colored book.
Day five.
Positive thought: Before you fall asleep at night, think of one thing you did to make this world a little better. How did you contribute today?
Relaxation: Organize your life. Start with your room, then class work for the following week, then set up goals on how to achieve your dream job.
