How to Stay Positive in College

Let’s face it, college is not like what the movies make it out to be. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. I mean, just think about your to-do list. There you go. Now you’re stressed.

While much of your college life might feel something like Rihanna’s song “Work,” here are some ways to stay positive while being buried in homework and exams.

1. Know you’re only human: There will be times when you won’t be able to accomplish everything you have on your to-do list. That’s okay. You might as well learn now that to-do lists are goals, not necessities for life.
2. Set goals you can accomplish: Set two to three small goals you know you’ll be able to complete by the end of the day. That way at least you feel as though you’ve achieved something for the day, even if it’s small.
3. Realize where you are: A lot of us hear our parents talk about how college was the time of their life, so appreciate where you’re at. Realize that you have the opportunity many aren’t able to have. You’re getting your degree while shaping who you are as a person. Feel grateful that you’re here.
4. Take it day by day: There are only 24 hours in a day. No more, no less. You can’t give yourself a crazy list of goals for the day and expect them to all be done perfectly, in the time span of 24 hours. In addition, don’t get ahead of yourself and start thinking into the next day or month, they’re ages away. Make a doable task list, focus on what you can do now and go from there.
5. Relax: It’s important to find time for yourself. Time to not think about what’s next or what’s still on your plate for the day. Give yourself a minute or two to simply not think. While it sounds like an impossible task this is a good way to reset and get ready for the next billion things you have to work on.

College can feel impossible at times. You may find yourself saying “I don’t know if I can do this.” But that’s just talk. With these five simple steps I hope you’ll have the chance to destress and stay positive in school in the future.

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