Tips and tricks to help students acquire a more positive outlook
It is that time of year again. The weather is taking a turn for the worse, teachers are piling on the homework and motivation is at an all-time low. Students are feeling down, checked out and fed up, and they are not alone. They may be counting down the days, hours and seconds until fall and winter breaks, just wanting a brief respite from class and homework.
While many students may be in this funk, it is my opinion that attitude is everything. The power of positive thinking is an effective treatment to the late-fall blues, and best of all, it is free.
Negative thoughts — like the flu — are invasive, contagious and downright dreary. Unlike the flu, however, there is no shot to protect people from negative thoughts. Cue in positive thinking — the solution to beating those pessimistic contemplations. Here are some helpful tips to start thinking and acting more positively.
First, smile more.
While it is not necessarily true that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile, it does, according to some studies, improve mood and reduce stress. It is such a simple solution to boosting mood, so why not do it? Smiling costs nothing, but benefits everything. Take the time to laugh and smile.
Second, think positively.
This is a big one. Negative thoughts can make any situation feel worse than it actually is. Whether it’s a lot of homework, a big test or an upcoming project, a student’s attitude toward the situation will either help or hinder the progress and outcome. Instead of thinking along the lines of “this test will be impossible and I am going to fail,” try thinking “this test will be challenging, but I will be prepared for it and do my best.” If students view something as negative, it will always be negative, but if they can view something in a positive manner, their outlook will be much more conducive to success.
Third, befriend positive people.
The last tip is what parents always tell students: “You are who you hang out with.” Having positive people around can help in a variety of ways. A good friend can help pull someone out of a rut by lifting their spirits and being positive when they feel they can’t be. Friends can give constructive feedback and put things into perspective.
The power of positive thinking is real. Looking at the glass half full rather than half empty will make life easier, more productive and happier. Mental health is an important aspect to overall wellness.
Students interested in learning more about mental health awareness can on Wednesday Nov. 2 when Hakeem Rahim, a mental health and suicide prevention advocate, speaks in the International Ballroom in the Pitman Center from 6-7 p.m. Rahim has been visiting college campuses across the nation for his “I Am Acceptance” tour and spreading the word about mental health awareness, depression and suicide prevention.
Ian Middleton can be reached at [email protected]