As a new year begins, it is common for some to experience a mixture of emotions, including stress and anxiety, at the possibilities the year may bring. Recovering from the holiday rush and keeping up with resolutions can lead to a sense of overwhelm. At WVJC, we understand these challenges and are here to support you! Explore our seven tips for maintaining a positive mindset during times of stress and pave the way for a fulfilling year ahead.
Keep reading to discover how you can stay positive in 2024!
1. Practice Positive Self-Speech
To maintain a positive mindset, being kind to yourself is crucial. Practicing positive self-speech is a wonderful way to help you feel confident and see the world more positively. Looking in the mirror and saying positive affirmations like, “I can achieve my goals,” will allow you to change how you view yourself. Check out this article from BetterUp for self-affirmation sayings to fit every season of your life!
2. Take A Breather
Centering yourself through breathing techniques can help you avoid slipping into a negative mindset when you feel overwhelmed. The great thing about breathing exercises is that they can be completed anywhere you feel stressed. Guided meditation is another option for those needing a more thorough approach to clearing their mind and reducing stress.
3. Focus On The Good
The saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” is infamous for a reason: it is a great outlook to have in challenging situations! Those with a positive mindset focus on the good things around them rather than the negative. For example, let’s say you are feeling stressed about your school load. Seeing the bigger picture and realizing that your education is a step toward your dream career can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and remain positive during a stressful time.
4. Surround Yourself With Positive Influences
Surrounding yourself with positive people can significantly influence your overall mood. If you are around negative people, their negative attitude could impact your attitude and make you struggle to focus on good things. Instead, surrounding yourself with people who motivate you, share common goals, and make you happy will allow you to maintain a positive mindset.
5. Develop A Morning Routine
Starting your day on a positive note can set you up to have a great day every day. Developing a morning routine is a terrific way to ensure that you start your day in a positive headspace. You can improve your morning routine by waking up earlier, not snoozing your alarm, exercising, journaling, drinking ice water, eating a healthy breakfast, or reading. Incorporating these things into your daily routine can make your mornings run more smoothly and set you up for a day of success.
6. Start A Journal
Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts onto paper and create a plan for tackling your to-do list. Doing a nightly brain dump can help you clear your mind and alleviate stress before bed, leading to better sleep. Better sleep can make you feel more well-rested and ready to take on the next day, making your morning routine smoother. Additionally, journaling during the day can help you remember and process things as they happen.
7. Say No
Finally, knowing that you can say no to things that cause you unnecessary stress is important. For example, let’s say you procrastinate doing your homework to see your friends. You may not enjoy your time with them because you are stressed about completing your assignment. Instead, saying no and focusing on what moves you toward your larger goals can empower you and help avoid unnecessary stress.
Make 2024 Your Year!
Do you want to change your life by starting on the path to your dream career? Going to college is your answer! WVJC is here to help you achieve your goals in 2024. Get started today by Requesting Information!