It is easy to be cynical about things. Sometimes it’s hard to be positive when certain things aren’t going your way. That’s life, though. No one ever said it would be perfect, and it’s naive to think it will be.

Sometimes all you can do is be positive, and here’s how:

Look at the bright side of whatever the situation is.

For every con, there is a pro. Sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper to find it. Maybe you have three huge tests and a paper due. But once you finish it all, you can relax. Maybe you’re struggling with overcoming an obstacle. But you still have people who love you and will support you through it. Maybe you're sick with a cold, but at least it’s not cancer. Maybe you have cancer, but you still have God. There is always something positive to turn to in a negative situation. While it may not give you full comfort, it will help, and that’s better than nothing.

Focus on something else.

Sometimes there is no positive light to a situation. Maybe you are not happy with something going on in your life. Find some aspect of your life that you love and focus on that instead. Maybe all you can do is find the one thing you’re passionate about and give it everything you’ve got. You will excel and that will bring you happiness and optimism.

Find joy in the little things.

I love seeing dogs on campus. Even if I’m having a bad day, when I see a dog, I am filled with joy. Dogs are always happy. They run around with such spirit and excitement and joy for life. They are the perfect examples of optimists, and they always bring a smile to my face. Seeing an elderly couple walking in Reynolda Village holding hands is adorable and fills me with hope for the future.

Indulge every once in a while.

Let yourself indulge. Watch that Netflix series you’ve been dying to see since the semester started, but haven’t had time to watch. Eat the chocolate you’ve been avoiding for a month in order to fit into your formal dress. Let loose and have fun. These things are crucial in being positive. Sometimes, you have to let go in order to be positive and just go with the motto, “Everything will be OK.”

Be kind to yourself.

It is so easy to criticize ourselves in today’s day and age. I’m not going to say guys don’t have this problem, but I know from experience that girls are really hard on themselves. We body shame even if we don’t mean to, and we tell ourselves that we aren’t good enough. It’s fine to want to be better. That quality is in our human nature, but we have to stop and acknowledge what great qualities we already have instead of always looking for ways to improve ourselves. This applies to all aspects of your life. If you are struggling to make a good grade in a class, then do your best and be done with it. If you did your best, and still don’t do well, then oh well. You tried your best, and that’s all you can ask of yourself.

Do yoga.

This may sound silly, but some of the basic fundamentals of yoga are about having peace with yourself and being thankful for what you have. There is a lot of optimism involved, and, if done right, you release all the negativity that is weighing you down. I never understood yoga until I tried it. It really does make you take a deep breath and just reflect on what is good.

Let yourself laugh.

I honestly believe laughter is the best medicine, just like the old adage says. If you can laugh until your belly hurts, you’re doing something right. Don’t take life too seriously; just enjoy it.