Our time at South Dakota State University is destined to be complicated. There will be many changes and a lot of anxiety. When these times of stress arise, it is important we keep a positive attitude.

I know it is easy for a person to say “just be positive,” but the fact of the matter is that positivity will lead you to a positive life. By living an optimistic life, you can positively impact your health, work and others.

Negative thinking limits our lives. Just imagine how bad your life is when you give your negative thoughts too much power. When you have a pessimistic view on things you tend to not accomplish your goals and often tend to push others away from you.

If we all continue to let the struggles of college and life get to us we will never fully reach our true potential. We all must start by challenging negative voices in our heads and start trying to live our best lives. So, how can we put our positive pants on? Here are a few ideas about where to start:

Find something positive even in the most negative situations.

Maybe you have made a mistake or failed in some kind of way. In this kind of situation just remember you can still make it; this mistake does not define your future. Learn from the failure and use it to fuel you for what is to come.

Take some time to reflect on what you’re thankful for.

With this one simple task, you can change your whole perspective for the day. It will remind you of what is really important in life and how blessed you truly are. It will help you realize there is no need to be so pessimistic.

Be the reason someone else smiles at least once a day.

Often what you send out tends to get back to you. Being positive and kind to others will allow you to bring joy to one another, which, in return, will bring joy to you. Also, being kind always feels rewarding.

Surround yourself with supportive people.

Being happy is easier when you live in a positive environment. Find people you can go to when you’re having a bad day and they can lift you up. And hold onto people who make you laugh and help relieve tension and stress.

Treat yourself often.

Everyone deserves to be pampered and to feel special. By doing something nice for yourself you can boost your mood and keep yourself motivated to keep pushing through.

Use these ideas to squeeze into your positive pants and to make the most of your time. Just remember college can be tough, but like everything in your life, it will be finished one day, so make the most of it.