Recently, my family and I dealt with a major health crisis (that is going well now). At the peak of uncertainty about the outcome, my sister told me that she was really stressed and was concerned about her stress level going “sky-high.” Later, I thought to myself that having a sky-high stress level is a very rational reaction to this type of situation, which means that it may not need to be managed. And, though I was not worried about her immediate reaction, I would worry if her stress level stayed high after the situation was resolved in a good way. (Yes, these types of situations prompt me to do a lot of thinking…in addition to my feelings.)
Even students working with each other, dealing with roommates, preparing for careers, etc. can get caught up in controlling how they react to situations and trying to meet others’ expectations for how to feel or express themselves. Below are some interesting articles pointing to (among other things) the notion that we have to find our own best approach to life’s challenges, including how we think and feel and how we express that.
While you are building knowledge and skills as a student, don’t forget to take time to develop yourself into a healthy (and responsible) person and new professional.
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NOTES:
I think cursing is not just about using curse words. It can be about expressing anger or pain with no filters on volume and/or tone.
Obviously, cursing, gossiping and other reactions should be appropriate to the professional setting and the people you are with. Sometimes, you may need to wait until you are with family, friends or people you trust to express your true and most open reactions.
The Power of Negative Thinking, Sara Stewart, December 2009
The Hidden Benefits of Anger, Cursing and Negativity, Melinda Wenner, April 2010
(scroll through the examples; see related stories at the bottom of the page)
The Power of Negative Thinking, Oliver Burkeman, August 2012
INDYCAR: The Power of Negative Thinking, Marshall Pruett, September 2012
