Sometimes, it is easier to look at the negatives rather than the positives. Being optimistic can be so much easier said than done. It takes time and patience with yourself and the situation to intentionally practice positivity. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have any bad days; it’s just taking the negative out of it and making a better day with it.

The New Year is a perfect way to start fresh with being positive. Being positive can have so many benefits for your mental and physical health. RCHS students recently shared advice on how to stay positive during this pandemic and school year.

RCHS junior Trinity Henley likes to stay positive by writing. Henley said, “I like to write all my negative thoughts out on paper instead of keeping them in my head.” Henley prefers to write it all out at night to help her sleep. Henley doesn’t do it all the time, she only does it when she has a lot on her mind. Henley said, “a good way to stay positive is doing things you like to do.”

Something that helps with staying positive is doing what makes you happy. By avoiding negatives you can surround yourself with a positive environment and positive people . Doing this will make a major difference in your life by giving you a better attitude and having something to look forward to.

A junior at RCHS, Megan Leon likes to remind herself that there will always be love within her circle. Leon said, “I like to use the words “luck, love, and safety” as a reminder because no matter how bad the situation is, I am lucky to be in it.” Leon also likes to meditate and put thought into what happens and overcome it with a positive attitude.

Leon provided advice for her peers. She said, “Always be conscious and open-minded no matter what feeling you have because the possibilities are endless and you are worthy for the outcome you want!”

Sometimes it’s good to reflect on your days to improve your attitude towards things. Having a positive attitude can make your day so much better and feel more productive. You can also take a step back and take things slow.

RCHS junior Jessica Padilla likes to keep a positive mindset by taking things slowly and not rushing every little thing. Padilla said, “it helps me by reminding myself that not everything needs to happen now and makes me feel less stressed.”

For the New Year, she suggested “taking a break or doing things that help you feel relaxed.” Padilla also recommended “taking positive notes to remind yourself all the positive things that you have in your life.”

Having your own journal to write down positive thoughts is a great way to realize all the nice things you have in your life. It doesn’t have to be something major to be excited. It can be the little things too. Doing this can also make you more grateful. Writing positive notes can be anything you want it to be.

Junior Abby Capitulo said, “looking at negatives will always be inevitable.” However, Capitulo always tells herself that the end result of a negative situation will be worth it so she turns to the positives for motivation. For the New Year, Capitulo wants to stay positive about school and what’s to come. Using positives as motivation is always a good thing to do for any situation. For example, using positive outcomes for working out or when studying for a test can help students maintain a positive outlook. It gives you motivation and desire to finish what you started and have a positive attitude.

Having a positive perspective and being optimistic doesn’t happen automatically. It takes time, but when you start to realize all the good in your life, it makes you feel good inside and out. You can start being positive physically, mentally, or verbally. Being positive can give you a desire to do everything and anything you put your mind to.