5 simple things you can do each day to feel more positive

Three students walk together in the Street at UWL holding coffee and chatting.

5 simple things you can do each day to feel more positive

12 October 2021

Life can feel overwhelming at times. From time to time, we all have to contend with a variety of stressful circumstances. And it’s easy to fall into a cycle of negativity, from which it can often be difficult to break free.

UWL offers a wealth of support services to help students tackle a range of issues. However, there are also a number of simple things you can do each day to feel more positive and build up your resilience over time.

1. Keep a journal

If you’re struggling with negative feelings of stress and anxiety, it can be difficult to see the positives in life. But rest assured – they are there! And by jotting down all the good things that happen to you each day – whether big or small – it can help you to build a more positive perspective of your experiences. There are even apps, like Gratitude, now that can help you do this.

2. Meditate

Meditation is a great way to escape the negative influences in life by focusing the mind on breathing and being present. This is an activity that anyone can try and benefit from. And don’t worry if you’re new to meditation, there are so many great online resources, including free apps and YouTube videos, which you can access to help you get started.

3. Exercise

Many of the simple things we can do to experience greater positivity in our lives actually relate to us being more mindful about our physical health. Exercise is one of the more obvious ways of achieving this. For some, that may mean going to the gym or playing for a sports team. But there are many ways of being physically active. For instance, a brisk 10-minute walk can have an immediate positive impact on your mood, alertness, and energy levels.

4. Eat well

Another way to take care of the physical side of things is to maintain a healthy diet. Eating healthily - fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats – can deliver an amazing mood boost. Do a little research and find some tasty and nutritious recipes to try out. Mind.org has some great information about the connection between food and mood.

5. Talk

Talking is so important to all aspects of supporting your mental health. A simple conversation with a close friend or family member can help you to unpack problems or see things in a more positive light. Check out Mind.org for some great tips on how to start a conversation around mental health.

However, if you find you are struggling with your emotional or mental health and need to talk to a trained professional, UWL’s Counselling Service is here for you. Just head over to the Student Hub to arrange a free counselling session.

For access to more wellbeing advice, guidance, workshops, and resources, head over to the Student Hub. And if you need help – just ask.