8 Suggestions to Stay Happy and Positive in College

Written by Chloe Bennet. Narrated by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Life is difficult, sometimes more so for college students. Juggling work, classes, exams, and a social life can be very stressful, not to mention during a period of life when you’re trying to discover who you really are. To help make this less daunting, though, we put together the top 8 suggestions that you should take to stay happy and positive throughout your time in college.

1. Join a club or group on campus that interests you.

Okay, it may seem strange to start this off by adding an extra demand on your time but trust us, this will help! College has almost an unlimited range of extracurricular activities, so sign up now for one that appeals to you. You’ll see, you will actually look forward to it during the week and end up making time for it, and you’ll probably end up making lasting friends who share a common interest with you.

2. Work out.

You don’t have to spend hours in the gym, but try to do something physical at least a couple of times a week. Even if it’s just a brisk walk outdoors, the fresh air will do wonders for your mood and give you the extra boost you need to keep going. If you’re short on time one week, try to do at least some basic stretches in the morning or at night to get the blood flowing. 

3. Get enough sleep.

Students are notorious for not getting enough sleep and it seems to be a matter of pride to be able to go to class after all-nighters, downing coffees and energy drinks as you go. We understand that there will be days like this here and there, but try not to make it a regular occurrence. The truth of the matter is, your body needs sleep to function not only physically but cognitively. It’s been proven that 7-9 hours of sleep are required for adults and anything less will lower your response rate, weaken your immune system, and slow your brain down.  

4. Start a hobby.

This suggestion comes from Laura Higgins, a college psychologist at Essay Writer and State of Writing: “Think of an activity or hobby you like doing, or one you’d like to try, and give yourself some time to do it every week. This can be a sport, a craft, or even a love of cheese and wine! I’m sure you can think of something, even if it’s a small thing.”

5. Find yourself a role model.

Think of someone that has inspired you in your life. This person can be alive or dead, and you don’t need to know them personally. Consider their morals and how you want to live your life as they did, and let them inspire you during your harder days. This can be anyone you can think of, so long as they work for you personally.

6. Write yourself motivational notes.

Yuri Kowalski, an educator at Coursework Online and Australian Help, suggests that you “write down some positive thoughts and motivational quotes on little notes or post-its and put them somewhere you’ll see them frequently, such as on your mirror or on your laptop. Change them up if you get used to them, but they can often be enough to give you a smile or a boost when you’re struggling through a hard week.”

7. Leave your comfort zone.

College is about trying different things out and if you step out of your comfort zone, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised. Doing something completely different and scary will give you a boost of confidence and make you feel like you can do anything you set your mind to.

Depending on where you’re studying, look at options around you, like white-water rafting or skydiving. If that’s too extreme, do something on a smaller scale that still makes you nervous: go to a meetup group if you’re shy or an open-mic night if you’re musically talented but never performed in front of people. 

8. Go to classes that interest you.

The last point is the only academic one, strangely enough. Make sure you pick classes that actually interest you and that will make you want to attend them. You want to give yourself the best chance of success, so if you schedule yourself a class at 8am on a Monday or 5pm on a Friday, pick one that will actually excite you and you won’t skip. Look at who the professor is for the class and choose the one with the engaging professor.

 Chloe Bennet Bio

Chloe Bennet is an educator at Type Me an Essay and UK Writings services. She writes about students’ health, reviews green trends on campuses and develops eco campaigns. Chloe manages content at Buy assignments online Australia portal.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.