Thinking positive during stressful times

I remember how stressed out I used to get during my years as a college undergraduate. Something as mundane as writing a term paper would send my blood pressure through the roof. And I'm really no less frazzled today, even sans pesky term papers. It seems problems crop up everywhere I turn (like trying to find an affordable apartment in New York City, but that's another story), and I'm sick of throwing my hands up in the air in defeat.

I suppose that no matter who you are, obstacles and challenges will be thrown in your way. Stressful situations happen to everyone, but the way in which you act under pressure defines who you are. Do you view sticky situations with a "why does this happen to me?" attitude or do they motivate you to change and take action?

The secret to keeping calm, cool, and collected during stressful times is to view problems with as opportunities for growth instead of with a defeatist outlook. Thinking positive thoughts during a stressful situation is the key to keeping your sanity intact! In fact, the way we view a problematic event in our lives affects both our physical and emotional health. People who have a more positive attitude will experience less stress and generally be much happier.

In lieu of a 12-Step Program for negative thinkers, these insights have helped me feel a lot less helpless in uncomfortable situations:

Try not to act helpless in the face of adversity. Be the master of your own destiny and take action! Don't wait around for someone else to come help you. When a negative though crops up, turn it off immediately. You can counter bad thoughts and feelings by using some positive visualization and concentrate on something that makes you happy.Argue with your negative thoughts by proving yourself wrong. By countering any negative beliefs with positive thoughts, you will avoid being stuck in a rut.Understand that there are some things you cannot change and some you can. If what is making you unhappy is something you can realistically change, then take the steps to change it.

Remember that being a more positive person involves thinking clearly and not jumping to the worst possible conclusion. Even repeating "everything will be fine" can work wonders for a frazzled mind! So think positive and trust in yourself!