The power of positive thinking

It's 7:30 a.m., your alarm has just gone off after hitting the snooze button for the third time and you realize it is time to get up and face the day. After you finish rubbing your eyes clear of the sleep sand that built overnight, you check your calendar to see that you have an exam today you forgot about AND you are out of your favourite breakfast foods. How do you stay positive?

The Mayo Clinic suggested in a study conducted in 2012 on stress management that people who think positively are more likely to live longer, have reduced levels of sickness, distress and depression, as well as a lowered risk of heart disease, just to name a few benefits.

When asked about the most effective ways of staying positive, Fanshawe students had a few tips. Dana Jones, currently in level three of the Business Insurance program said, "I barely have time to read any of my books or study because of my children's hockey schedule, working on my house, and other family needs. So when I feel stressed out, I play games on my iPhone, and remember I am doing this for my kids' future."

John Kolpin, is in level three of the Computer Systems program, said sometimes he finds it tough to look on the bright side. "I am definitely guilty of procrastinating and leaving things to the last minute a lot, which causes a lot of lastminute stress. Sometimes I do not get as many shifts at work as I need so I worry about that too. When I need to relax and think positively, I think of my friends and family who care about me and are rooting for me to graduate, and it is all I need."

Eliza Bovin in her third semester of the General Arts and Sciences program, said, "I usually stay up later than I should and I sleep through classes sometimes, and when I get behind I start panicking. When that happens, I just get my head back in the game, eat some chocolate and poutine from Oasis and focus on getting good grades."

When asked about his opinions on how to remain positive, Fanshawe counsellor Bill Margrett said, "Our students are faced with more online content than before and more adversity than previous generations; the rise in mental distress in students has risen over the last 25 years." Margrett would know — he's helped students deal with all kinds of issues since he began working at the College in 1976. "I tell students to focus on writing down two happy things they saw in the evening after every day, and when they wake up the next morning, review them and keep building that list until you condition your mind to think positively more frequently."

It can be difficult to remain positive in your day-to-day life, but it's important to remember there is still plenty of good in this world and the people around you will always be there to support you even through the direst of problems. Fanshawe has many support services provided through the Counselling and Accessibility Services office located in F2010. The staff there can help with any issues you may encounter, from personal problems to school problems and beyond.

Just remember, you have the power to think positively, and a positive mindset goes a long way.