Hi everyone! As time passes and things change there is a lot of reflection about what advice one would give to their past self. While I personally don’t believe in regretting the decisions a person has made after they have passed, I think there are important lessons can be learned by acknowledging the good decisions an individual has made. In particular, as a senior in college, I know there are many things I want to continue, and would tell freshman to start doing, to boost mental health and live a more fulfilling life. So here are my nine life lessons I learned that have supported my wellbeing throughout college, and things I believe will keep me thriving in the next chapter:
One: Say Yes to Spontaneity
That weekend escape to the beach or last-minute dinner invite is the opportunity to make the best memories. I always encourage people to be spontaneous, and that is even coming from someone who lives by a planner. I truly can say that being willing to say yes has resulted in many mental resets and powerful community connections for my well-being.
Two: It’s Okay to Say No
On the flip side, it is also completely okay to say no. College, and life, is face paced, and at times it can be overwhelming. So, when everyone is going out to get drinks, you don’t have to go. The fear of missing out is a very real challenge, but at the end of the day having a night to recharge will make all the other big times that much more enjoyable. This also extends to your extracurricular obligations. While leadership roles are rewarding and fun, you do not have to do everything. Saying no and setting boundaries is a lesson I have had to learn over the years, and it has made a huge difference in my stress levels.
Three: Set Educational Goals
It is always good to have goals, but more specifically by being a lifelong learner people are able to constantly accomplish things and expand their capabilities. I know I am frequently astonished by all the things I have learned throughout my education. Our minds are capable of so many things, and there is nothing quite like impressing yourself with how much knowledge you have. There is something intrinsically rewarding and motivating about expanding your education whether through traditional academia or another means.
Four: Meet Diverse People
Interactions with other humans collectively make up our existence on earth, so meeting new diverse people is bound to happen. However, being intentional to put yourself out there to find people who have different life experiences or opinions is different. Intentionality allows for you to rediscover your own thoughts. In general, being willing to interact with diverse people is good for your mind’s expansion.
Five: Try New Things
From new food to new hobbies, trying new things is the perfect way to utilize leisure time. While everyone has activities they already enjoy, you never know what else can rejuvenate you. Through trying new things, you are giving yourself a mental break from the norm, and you might even find something you love.
Six: Stick to What You Love
Going off that, once you find things you love, hold on tight. From people to hobbies, you can find your passions. These passions give you purpose, and that will fuel you into the future. Purpose ensures we know life is worth living and keeps our mental health improving.
Seven: Remain True to Yourself
People are always changing but being true to yourself means knowing what you believe in and what you stand for. Determining your values is just the first step. By knowing your innermost substance and having the resilience to stay true to it, you can build great confidence. As we all know, confidence makes a tremendous difference in improving our mental health.
Eight: Forget Your Mistakes
It’s hard to have grace, but it is even harder to have grace for yourself. Everyone makes mistakes, but we are our worst critics. Learning to forgive yourself will alleviate emotional baggage and shift your mindset in a positive direction.
Nine: Believe in the Good
Optimism is a choice. While I am not saying people must always be rainbows and sunshine, being proactive and choosing to believe in the good can change your life. Make sure you believe in the impact you can have and all the good qualities you possess. Further, trying to to see the good in others means limiting cynical thoughts and thinking people’s internationals are pure until proven otherwise. Seeing the positives can make you happier and boost your holistic emotional status.
Ultimately, while not all of these are the easiest lessons to live by, they are ones that I think everyone needs to know and/or be reminded of. Being conscious of the things that fill your soul up is an excellent way to improve your mental health and life overall. I hope some of these life lessons resonate with you, and you can utilize them for better mental health.
Sincerely,
a Senior
Thank you all for reading this blog post. It has been another wonderful year sharing mental health perspectives and raising more awareness about the topic. Moving forward we will be sharing bi-monthly blogs, so be sure to subscribe to the newsletter that way you do not miss one. We wish everyone a fulfilling holiday season, and we can’t wait to see everyone in 2024!