These last few years have been emotionally, physically, and financially trying for all of us. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, climate change, war, and political divides, it can feel, at times, like the world has been turned upside down. While we need to acknowledge the state of the world and how it is affecting us, we also need to remember to maintain hope.
Conflict is a normal part of living, but just because it is normal does not mean it is easy. There are many ways to resolve conflict, but assertiveness is often the best strategy in most situations. It is important to ask for what you need, but still be respectful to the other person.
Here are 6 tips for resolving conflicts assertively!
Wellness can help frame and organize a more holistic approach to overall health and wellbeing. If we think about a broader sense of health beyond the absence of disease, focusing on wellness gives us tools for more self-awareness and insight, as well as clues to how to make changes that lead to increased happiness, satisfaction, and feeling balanced in our lives.
A mantra is a repeated word, phrase, or sound to focus the mind and achieve emotional balance. Mantras require a set intention (like feeling at peace) and are repeated during a dedicated meditation session. Here are some examples and tips to create your mantra!
Sunday Scaries are a reaction to anticipatory stress, which is a type of stress that you experience when you feel worried or anxious about what may happen in the future. With all the unknowns that you are facing, it’s completely normal for your brain to go into panic mode on Sunday evening. Still, no matter how Sunday Scaries manifest for you, there are strategies that you can use to help defeat them!
Research shows that how we talk about our emotions influences how we experience them. As such, using the wrong word could minimize or exaggerate a negative feeling and then make that feeling worse. Of course, before we can recognize and label our feelings, we first need to have the right language to describe how we are feeling. If you do not have a strong emotional vocabulary, you may struggle with accurately communicating your needs and asking for help.
Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes extreme dysregulation in a person’s mood that affects their ability to function day to day. While the cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, the prevalence of bipolar disorder is higher in families with first-degree relatives diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The three key features of bipolar disorder include: mania, hypomania, and depression.
As a student athlete, you likely struggle with gaining control of and managing your hectic schedule. With all of these responsibilities, it can be nearly impossible to find time to participate in the fun parts of college. If you are struggling with time management as an athlete, consider the following tips.
International students face unique experiences and challenges on top of those that may be common to all students pursuing their educational goals. These experiences can add additional stressors that affect wellness and mental health. These may also require additional effort, flexibility, creativity, and support systems.
While apologizing is often necessary to maintain healthy relationships, over-apologizing can actually be harmful, as “I’m sorry” can lose its meaning when it is overused. Over-apologizing is a people-pleasing behavior, often indicating that you struggle with the idea of simply taking up space.
