Wellness Tip #2 : Adding positive emotions is very often easier than removing negative ones

Emotions are complex and can be challenging to change or eliminate entirely, especially negative emotions. When you are feeling down, or stressed out, if you find that you keep ruminating without managing to find a reason or solve the problem, if any,  you can try to engage in activities or practices that bring positive emotions, like joy, hope, and gratitude (it also works with other positive emotions, like awe, loving-kindness, curiosity, generosity…). Moreover, positive activities can serve as a distraction from negative emotions (when you're focused on something enjoyable, you may be less preoccupied with negative thoughts and emotions).  Finally, developing a reservoir of positive emotions through practices like mindfulness, physical exercise, or spending time with loved ones, or while engaging in meaningful actions, can help you become more resilient to negative emotions and stress. You may even cultivate positive emotions without “doing” anything, simply by asking yourself, for example: “What am I grateful for?”; “What am I hoping for?”; “What am I curious about?”.

That being said, if some negative feelings and/or moods persist over a longer period of time, it could be worth addressing them with a trusted adult at home or school. In that case, don’t hesitate to stop by the Wellness Center! Ultimately, the balance between adding positive emotions and addressing negative ones is essential for overall emotional well-being and mental health.