Positive people will push you further to the brighter side of life and help you to accomplish more than you ever thought possible. In this article, we share 10 tips for ensuring they’re integral to your life.
College students deal with more today than in years past. A growing war between Russia and Ukraine. Sky-high gas prices. Inflation at record highs. Tuition costs and everything else going up even more than that.
Then, there is the 24-hour news cycle, which promises to give us all anxiety before the age of 12. How do you deal with it all?
While it’s not the only answer, surrounding yourself with positive people is key. In this article, we’ll be sharing tips for how you can do just that. Let’s begin!
1. Find a group of friends who share your values and support you.
No one is saying you shouldn’t use college as a time to test your beliefs. But if you find a group of friends who share your values, it can be an anchor during these years. These are the people who will support you when things get tough. And they’ll be there for you to celebrate the good times.
So how do you find them?
If you’re already involved in extracurricular activities, that’s a great place to start. But don’t limit yourself to just that. Get to know the people in your classes. Talk to people in your dorm. Go to campus events. You never know where you’ll find your tribe.
2. Spend time with family members who make you feel good about yourself.
Family can be a source of great stress. But if you have family members who make you feel good about yourself, spend time with them. Whether it’s your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins, these are the people who will help you remember who you are when things get tough.
And if you don’t have that kind of relationship with your family? That’s what friends are for, as the old song says. Find a group that will support you no matter what, and take them with you through life.
3. Seek mentors and positive role models.
Emotional support is great, but it also helps to have a professional backing you in the positivity department. So if you can, find mentors and positive role models. These are the people who will help you navigate your chosen field. They’ll give you advice, help you connect with other professionals, and just be there for you as a sounding board.
And if you can’t find mentors in your field? Look for them in other areas of your life. A friend who is a great listener, a professor who is passionate about their subject, or even a boss with a great attitude can all be sources of positivity and support.
4. Hang out with people who have a positive outlook on life.
Take special notice of how people around you deal with adversity. Are you surrounded by complainers or people who can bounce back? The latter is what you want.
Because when things do go wrong, as they sometimes will, it’s important to have people in your life who can help you see the silver lining. So make an effort to spend time with people who have a positive outlook on life. They’ll be a great example for you, and they’ll help you cope with whatever comes your way.
5. Join clubs or groups that inspire you and make you feel good
College is loaded with opportunities to get involved. And while you should definitely take advantage of those opportunities, it’s also important to choose wisely. Join clubs or groups that inspire you and make you feel good.
These are the organizations that will help you grow as a person and make the most of your college experience. Some examples include service organizations, political action groups, and clubs devoted to hobbies or interests.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that makes you feel fulfilled. That way, you’ll be more likely to stay involved and get the most out of it.
So if you’re looking for a positive community, don’t be afraid to seek it out. There are plenty of ways to find the support you need. And when you do, you’ll be on your way to a more fulfilling life.
6. Do things that make you feel good about yourself
Sometimes being around positive people is about being around a more positive version of yourself. So if you want to surround yourself with positive people, start by doing things that make you feel good about yourself.
This could mean taking care of your physical health, pursuing your passions, or taking care of your mental health. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that makes you anticipate the journey ahead. And as you engage in these activities, you may just find a community of others who share their interests. Look for online groups or meetups as you get going.
7. Get involved in causes that you are passionate about
What does being passionate mean to you? What types of things bring out your passion? These do not have to be activities that are feel-good. Rather, they are activities that prove fulfilling.
For college students, these usually take the form of social justice causes. But they can also be environmental, animal rights, or political organizations. The possibilities are endless.
Find something that speaks to the person you want to be, not just now but in the future. If you can find something that connects to your career path, that’s even better.
8. Be around people who make you laugh
Laughter, it’s said, is the best medicine. But it’s also a great way to surround yourself with positive people.
Think about the people in your life who make you laugh. Now, make an effort to spend more time with them. They’ll help you relax and enjoy yourself, even when times are tough.
And if you’re looking for ways to meet new people, look for comedy clubs or events in your area. You never know who you’ll meet or how they might influence your world.
Don’t have a comedy scene in your area? Consider starting an open-mic night at a local college-friendly establishment.
9. Volunteer your time to help others
College towns are great place to find volunteer needs. Volunteer opportunities can range from working with children, the elderly, or animals to helping out at a local soup kitchen, food bank, or environmental organization.
No matter what you’re interested in, there are likely volunteer opportunities available that can help you surround yourself with positive people.
And not only will you be doing good for others, but you’ll also be filling your time with activities that make you feel good about yourself. Plus, volunteering is a great way to meet new people who share your interests. And it’s easier to approach people in these situations because you have a shared cause.
10. Spend time with animals, nature, or anything that makes you feel at peace.
Our lives are so busy that we seldom slow down to define peace, let alone find any. But if you want to surround yourself with positive people, it’s important to find activities that make you feel at peace.
For some, this might mean spending time with animals. For others, it might be hiking in nature or listening to calming music.
Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that you can commit to on a regular basis. It doesn’t have to be every day, but try to find time for it at least once a week.
You’ll be surprised how much better you feel when you take the time to find activities that bring you peace. And as you better yourself, you’ll also be better equipped to surround yourself with positive people.
Positive People Can Make Your Life Better In Every Way
There is no one answer to the question of how to deal with all the stress and anxiety of life as a college student. However, one of the best things you can do is surround yourself with positive people.
Following the tips we’ve presented here will help, but it’s always possible that we might have left some out. Do you have any tips for how to surround yourself with positive people? Let us know in the comments section below!
Aric Mitchell's work appears regularly here at 4tests.com and across the web for sites, such as The Inquisitr and Life'd. A former high school teacher, his passion for education has only intensified since leaving the classroom. At 4tests, he hopes to continue passing along words of encouragement and study tips to ensure you leave school ready to face an ever-changing world.
