Reducing Stress: Positive Self-Talk
There is no doubt that college can be extremely stressful-- deadlines, exams, projects, papers, job applications...I'm getting stressed just thinking about it. Most of these stresses are nearly unavoidable because we have to do our work and we have to study. But there is a minor change that can make a major impact in our stress levels. I'm talking about Positive Self-Talk.
"Self-talk is the endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head" (Mayo Clinic Staff). So, we should try to make our thoughts positive! Researchers have shown that people with positive thoughts have increased life spans, better coping skills when stressed, and even better heart health!
Spread a little love to yourself. Here are two tips to get you moving toward more positive self-talk:
1. If you wouldn't say it to a friend, don't say it to yourself! Treat yourself with the kindness you would expect from others. We have an easy time saying "I look disgusting today," but we wouldn't tell our friends "You look disgusting." Thinking of it this way can make it clear what kinds of things you should avoid saying to yourself.
2. Check in with yourself throughout the day, whenever you can remember. Remind yourself of your goal to think positively! And if you do catch yourself with negative thoughts, forgive yourself and try to spin that negative thought into a positive one.
Mastered these positive self-talk skills? See more of these as well as negative self-talk habits to avoid:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950?pg=1
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress." Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1998-2017. Accessed March 2, 2017.