In this world filled with sadness, stress, and governments shutting down, I try my hardest to be an optimist. From my personal experience, I find it easiest to live with a positive mindset, to go out into the world and embrace the good things that come my way. I like to indulge in life’s simple pleasures, or at least come out of a day feeling somewhat accomplished. My approach to every day I live has really helped me navigate the stress and rigors of college, so I figured I’d detail it here:

High-Five and Fist-Bump!

There are few good things in this world that quite give the satisfaction of a well-executed high-five or fist-bump. I’m of the opinion that almost anything is worth celebrating, so I tend to do these a lot. I always look stupid proposing them and doing them, but it’s always nice to add just a bit of dumb fun into my day and have an opportunity to laugh at myself. I’m pretty involved in William & Mary’s Ballroom and Swing Dance Clubs, so you bet I’m high-fiving and fist-bumping after every dance.

I give myself bonus points when my high-fives have running starts and when my fist-bumps explode violently at the ends.

Victories!

What many view as mundane events and circumstances, I like to think of as challenges and battles to be won. When I go through a stressful day, I always like to reflect on what I call its “victories.” For example: not being late for nine o’clock German because I got out of bed on time! Being productive and getting homework done! Enjoying nice weather! Thinking in this mindset for me makes good days feel great and helps me redeem bad days. A miserable day can be overturned through the piecing together of lots of little fun, stupid achievements you credit yourself with. No event is too small to be a victory!

I didn’t fall asleep in any of my classes today. I consider that a victory.

Indulge!

The world is far from a perfect place. I find optimism to be the best approach to living life, but that doesn’t mean I force myself to be happy all the time. Everyone has their off days, their messy days. Whenever I’m faced with something I really can’t get around, I find it’s best to distract myself, to do things I enjoy or build myself up. Good music/food/video games could probably get me through anything if I tried hard enough. In being optimistic, I accept the fact that the world is greatly flawed, as is life in general, but this doesn’t mean I can’t be positive.

In the grand scheme of things, I know that I’m speaking from a position of general privilege and shelteredness. That being said, my little strategies really do help me deal with stress and bad days. Dear readers, I implore you to add some positivity into your lives. Have a magical high-five or pride yourself on getting up in the morning! I promise it’ll add a little bit of fun into your day.