Positive Thinking and How to Practice it

The life of a high school, college, or university student is not that relaxed. Students face the stress of deadlines, exams, and tests on a daily basis. Attempts to strike a balance between homework and relaxation can often prove unsuccessful. Fortunately, we know how to deal with this problem! This article will help all students who need to take a different look at stress management and rest.

Our team of experts has prepared infographics about positive thinking, its benefits, and how to practice it. You will also find affirmations that will help you get through even the most challenging of days.

What Is Positive Thinking?

The majority of people associate “positive thinking” with endless optimism and forced excitement. However, that’s not true.

Positive thinking is a mental practice that is associated with expecting pleasing outcomes and overcoming obstacles. In other words, it means not losing enthusiasm after failure.

Positive thinking is not about ignoring negative situations that might occur in everyday life. In contrast, it is about accepting the hardships of life and approaching them in a positive way.

It is essential to understand that positive thinking is not the same as wearing rose-colored glasses. It involves several traits:

• Optimism: an enthusiasm to putting in effort and taking action instead of assuming that your idea will not work.
• Acceptance: acknowledging the mistakes and learning from them.
• Resilience: trying multiple times, not being discouraged by numerous failures and mistakes.
• Gratitude: noticing and appreciating all the good things in life, even if they are minor.
• Mindfulness: being fully present at the moment (mentally and physically) and having an ability to focus.

Integrity: being trustworthy and honest with yourself and those around you and not being self-serving or deceitful.

Positive thinking is essential for every human being. There are two major reasons for this:

1. A positive attitude broadens our outlook.
2. The researcher Barbara Fredrickson noticed a correlation between positive thinking and people’s perception of life. It turns out that positive emotions broaden our horizons. They allow us to examine all the opportunities and take the maximum benefit from them. Negative emotions can have the opposite effect.
3. A healthy mind leads to a healthy body.
4. According to studies, many illnesses are compounded by unstable mental health. Thus, positive thinking can strengthen the psychological state and, consequently, improve physical health. Such an optimistic outlook can enhance lifespan, increase resistance to the common cold, and more.

The infographics below outline even more reasons to practice positive thinking.

12 Advantages of Positive Thinking

15 Ways to Practice Positive Thinking

Positive Affirmations & How They Work

We have brought several ways of practicing positive thinking in the above infographics. In this section, we will consider only one.

Positive affirmations are uplifting statements and phrases that challenge unwelcome thoughts and negativity. Undoubtedly, it is a straightforward method. Yet, its benefits can significantly boost self-esteem and change subconscious patterns.

The self-affirmation theory has sparked a lot of neuroscientific research that aims to investigate the changes in the brain. Some evidence suggests that neural pathways are increased when people practice self-affirmations. It even changes the way we process information about ourselves.

Sounds easy, right?

Perhaps, even too easy. There may be a feeling that repeating affirmations will only work if you believe in the theory.

Nonetheless, this method has been studied, and surprisingly enough, science backs it up. These are essential benefits of self-affirmation:

• Positive affirmations make you perform better. 
• Self-affirmation can help you execute different tasks and generally function better. For instance, making you think about your good qualities before a meeting can calm your nerves and boost your self-confidence.
• Affirmations can help you manage your stress. 
• According to research, positive self-talk can let you relax and focus during stressful situations. Affirmations are very often used to help people with low self-esteem and negative self-image.
• They can help you with mental issues in general. 
• Positive affirmations are not cures for anxiety and depression. They also do not substitute medication and clinical treatment. Yet, studies show that these practices can be helpful to someone struggling with mental health issues.
• Just as other positive thinking practices, affirmations improve your health. 
• Stress and mental problems are not suitable for your health. Thus, practicing self-affirmations can have a positive impact on overall well-being.

15 Positive Affirmations for College Students

As we have mentioned, positive affirmations can help you improve your perspective or overcome issues. You can try them when struggling with a bad habit or when in need of productivity and motivation. They can be indispensable for students during finals and before submitting essential school projects.

Here, we have gathered a list of the most powerful affirmations for students:

1. I am doing my best. 
2. Often, we feel that we are not doing good enough. It creates unnecessary stress and anxiety. Nothing is more important than your mental health.
3. I deserve to take a break. 
4. Students who study a lot feel guilty when taking breaks. That’s why this affirmation is so important. It reminds us that getting rest is normal and helpful for ourselves.
5. I have done everything to the best of my ability. 
6. Sometimes we fail. A reminder that you did the best you could is essential to protect your self-esteem and mental health.
7. Obstacles are opportunities for me. 
8. If you want to achieve something most people don’t, do not expect your road to success to be easy. It will be full of obstacles, so you should approach them with the right mindset.
9. Happiness is a choice I make. 
10. Choosing to be happy is a great way to look at this state of being. It is in your power to feel satisfied or not. Focus on what you have instead of what you don’t.
11. I deserve to have fun. 
12. Sometimes, especially when other people are suffering, we feel that we do not have a right to have fun. Well, it is okay to enjoy a moment.
13. I choose to be kind and loving. 
14. It is not always easy but always essential to stay kind. All the love you have given will return to you multiplied.
15. My vibes attract my tribe. 
16. Getting rid of toxic individuals and relationships can be easier with this affirmation. Just remember, your people will always stay close to you. Keep radiating good vibes.
17. My support system is the best. 
18. This affirmation promotes gratitude and confidence that anything is possible with the loved ones around you.
19. I feel motivated by successful people. 
20. Stop cultivating jealousy and inferiority complex. Instead, look at successful people from the standpoint of inspiration. It can help you improve yourself and your mindset.
21. I am thankful for the opportunity to go to college. 
22. Attending college is a privilege that is denied to so many. Instead of complaining about teachers, homework, and hardships, be grateful for the opportunity.
23. I am getting closer to my dream life. 
24. You might not be there yet, and it’s okay. Reminding that all the work you have put in will allow you to live the life you want is helpful in so many ways.
25. I am thankful for my roommate. 
26. Your roommate is not perfect, and they can get on your nerves. But how many times have you kept each other sane? Shared late-night snacks? Hyped each other up? Recall and appreciate these moments.
27. I am grateful for my parents. 
28. It’s another affirmation that can positively change your attitude and improve relationships with your kin. (Only if your family deserves your gratitude, of course.)
29. Everything is working out for me. 
30. You have to have trust in yourself or, at least, the universe. Everything you have ever gone through will make sense. And it will work out for you!

Thank you for reading this article. We hope now you understand the advantages of positive thinking and why we’ve suggested it in the first place. If you know someone who can benefit from these practices, share the page with them.

This article was originally published on IvyPanda.

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