Put on smile and show positive side

WITH pressures of everything mounting up on me these days, I’ve noticed that throwing my major hissy fits realistically get me nowhere, unfortunately.

While I enjoy texting my friends and whoever will listen to my rants about study, work, teenage problems, I must admit, although it gives me huge relief, in the end I realised I am still unable to move as negativity has taken over.

While stress is now becoming a huge part in my student life, I recently read a story online by a psychologist about stress management.

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?” Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz. She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm.

“If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralysed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.” She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralysed — incapable of doing anything.” It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down!

Throughout my short time as a speaker at events, the above story is what really grabs the audience. I also have on my phone a list of ways to phrase sentences more positively.

Not only am I sick to death of politics, elections, people being upset and angry, I decided a positive, optimistic article could help Ireland get out of the dumps and basically stop harassing politicians.

If you are grumpy and treating your life as a chore, then hopefully my glass of water story and positivity sentences can help you bring a smile to your face. Positivity and optimism are key to success.

So flash a broad smile to someone on the street, you never know, that smile could save a life.