One of the biggest factors of maintaining mental stability, for me, has been exercise. In fact, the first time my former psychologist and I determined I’d reached a positive and healthy place was also the first time I trained to run a 5k.
Now one of my favorite things to do during the day is to take Brie, my family’s puppy, on a walk in the park or through the neighborhood. Today’s walk was rough, though; I just didn’t want to do it. Yet half way around the lakes I found myself smiling at the sleeping ducks and marveling at the sunbathing turtles who quickly scuttled away at the sound of Brie’s gangling tags.
I kept asking myself what was so drastically altering my mood. Was it the sun warming my body, or the lapping water of the lake, or the presence of a happy animal, I wondered. Honestly, I still don’t know, but to find such an effective coping mechanism is amazing.
Everyday Thoughts and College Life 