How to deal with stress – Having a positive perspective

I know, I know, you are super busy. Thinking about things positively won’t mean that you don’t have as much to do. But try it. It doesn’t take any time at all and it will make the whole experience more pleasant. So when something bad happens, remember that, as my mother always says, “It could have been worse.” Instead of being terrified of the presentation, think, “It’s only 30 minutes of your life.” When you trip over and fall on your face, think of the funny side of it. Or maybe, just, “Well I needed to wash that shirt anyway.” When faced with a situation, think and remind yourself of the positives aspects of it, rather than the negative. In every situation there are both, and by focusing on the positive, you’ll feel happier.

Why is this important when you are stressed out? When you start to think negatively, it’s easy to fall into a downward spiral. When you are stressed out, you probably already feel terrible and it may lead you to take more and more extreme actions that can lead to serious health problems (ranging from depression to eating disorders to substance abuse, all of which I know of people who have experienced in college). Having a lot to do and the consequent stress is a part of life that everyone has to face. How you handle it is up to you.

On top of that, being positive is actually better for your social life and consequently, for your future happiness. No one wants to hang out with the sad kid. It sounds terrible but it’s true. Of course, when one of your friends is having a tough time, you help them out and try to show them what’s good about their life. But everyone knows the kid that’s forever depressed. Are you friends with them? I’m sure that you have friends who have come out of serious relationships; months after, some people are still dwelling on the past whilst others have moved on and found new things to focus on. And who are you more likely to hang out with? Probably the fun person. Why? I’m not saying we aren’t all going to get a little sad and need friends once in a while, but when it happens, why not try to see what’s good about your life?

So here’s my challenge to you: everyday at the end of the day, think about what went well that day. Forget the bad stuff, but remember every single tiny detail of the good things. If something does go wrong, think of one possible reason it’s good overall. And remember, “It could have been worse.”