Scientist
Written for the Times Higher Education Campus Magazine, 29 Nov 2024
Sit, slow down and colour. It’s such a simple activity, but for many students, colouring in is a powerful way to ease stress and improve mental well-being. In public areas, libraries or private spaces, students can take the time to fill blank spaces with coloured pens or pencils, and let the repetitive motion and creativity calm their minds….
It isn’t intentional that my first post focusses on the negative! But this is where my mind has gone as a I reflect on a new year. ‘New Year New Me’ often focusses on bettering oneself through self-activation, autonomy and goal setting. But we need to be able to apply this to the entire spectrum of our experiences, and not just focus on the positive.
It is important to understand that negative emotions are not bad, but rather a natural part of the human experience. Wellbeing is not the absence of stress or distress, but the ability to cope with them1. Negative emotional experiences provide us with information about who we are, what we need, and what our boundaries are. Ignoring or suppressing these emotions can lead to negative changes in mental wellbeing.
Instead of trying to avoid negative emotions, it’s essential to learn how to manage and navigate them effectively. This can be done through techniques such as self-reflection, and seeking support from others. Successful self-care is about reflecting on who we are as individuals and what we need2. We can do this by understanding what we do to cope with negative emotions and experiences, what works, and what we need to change.
We do not have to be happy all the time, and it is ok and normal to feel sad, angry, or anxious. Acknowledging all our emotions is an opportunity to learn, grow, and lead a fulfilling life.
Emma Palmer-Cooper 