For some, the new year can bring feelings of stress and anxiety at the potential of possibilities. Between trying to set and keep up with resolutions and decompressing from the holidays, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. East Ohio College is here to help; with our top seven tips for maintaining a positive mindset during times of stress, you can set yourself up for a great year. Keep reading to learn how you can stay positive in 2024!
1. Surround Yourself With Positive Influences
The people you choose to surround yourself with can significantly influence your overall mood. Surrounding yourself with negative people can cause you to have a negative attitude and struggle to find the good in things. Likewise, surrounding yourself with positive people who inspire and motivate you, make you happy, and share similar goals can help you become the best version of yourself.
2. Focus On The Good
To have a positive mindset, you should focus on the good things around you. The famous saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” is an excellent outlook for challenging situations. For example, let’s say you feel overwhelmed with your school responsibilities. Looking at the bigger picture and realizing that your education is a stepping stone toward your overall goal of a new career can help you remain positive during a time of stress.
3. Practice Positive Self-Speech
Being kind to yourself is a vital part of having a positive mindset. Practicing positive self-speech is a terrific way to change how you view yourself and the world around you. Start by saying positive affirmations to yourself in the mirror, such as “I believe in myself.” This can make you feel confident and have a positive outlook on your life. Check out this article from BetterUp for more self-affirmation sayings to help you feel your best!
4. Develop A Morning Routine
Creating a positive morning routine is the secret to having a great day every day. A morning routine can help you start your day with a positive mindset and feel more productive. Some ideas to incorporate into your morning routine could be waking up earlier, not snoozing your alarm, drinking a glass of water, exercising, making yourself a hearty breakfast, or reading. Adding these things to your routine can help your mornings run smoother, thus setting you up for a day of success.
5. Start A Journal
Journaling is a great way to clear your mind and alleviate stress, especially before going to sleep at night. Doing a nightly brain dump can help you get your thoughts onto paper, allowing you to see the things on your mind and create a plan for tackling them. Nightly journaling can also help you fall asleep, leaving you feeling well-rested and ready to take on the next day. Additionally, journaling throughout the day can help you process events as they happen and take note of things you want to remember.
6. Take A Breather
When you start to feel overwhelmed, pausing and taking a moment to breathe and center yourself can help you avoid slipping into a bad headspace. Many calming breathing exercises can be completed anywhere when you are feeling stressed. If you need a more thorough approach, participating in guided meditation may help reduce stress and help you gain a positive mindset.
7. Say No
Finally, remember that it is okay to say no to things that bring unnecessary stress to your life. For example, suppose you procrastinate on schoolwork to see your friends. In that case, you may not enjoy the time spent with them because you will be stressed about completing your schoolwork. Instead, saying no and focusing on what is necessary can give you a sense of empowerment and help you avoid the inevitable stress of putting off your responsibilities.
Make 2024 Your Year!
Do you want to change your life by going to college? Join us at East Ohio College in 2024 to begin your journey toward your dream of a new career!
Get started today by calling our admissions team at 833-EASTOHIO or Requesting Information!