This week, I chose to read the Newman article that explained different strategies to build resilience. This topic interests me because in another on of my Communication classes this semester, COMM 4407, discuses the nature of different conflicts. I found it interesting that the topics in these classes are beginning to overlap and become useful tools for each other. One of the things that this article mentions as a strategy to help your mental and physical health is to cultivate forgiveness. In my other class, we are also discussing the idea of apology and forgiveness. In this article, Newman explains that forgiving people is for your own sake and can allow to lift feelings of resentment and anger (7). This does not mean that the transgressor is "off the hook" for hurting you, but it can allow for you be relieved of the negative feelings and energies that you hold onto when you hold a grudge against someone.
I think that this topic is a really important one for young adults, such as myself, to learn. Training yourself to be able to take action when there is something that is happening that can hurt your physical or mental wellbeing is extremely beneficial. It is important that people have the capability to see the problem when it arises and also be able to make decisions in order to help themselves, even when it is a difficult task such as forgiving others who have hurt you in the past. I think that this article gave some other really insightful commentary and suggestions. One of those suggestions is to try expressive writing. I appreciated that not only did they suggest to begin this writing, but the author also explains a study that was done on those who wrote expressively and all the positive results to writing their feelings down.
My question to the readers: what stuck out to you in the Newman reading as the best strategy to build resilience? Have you already tried any of these strategies and can you vouch for them being effective?
Newman, Kira M. “5 Science-Backed Strategies to Build Resilience.” Mindful, 23 Nov. 2021, https://www.mindful.org/5-science-backed-strategies-build-resilience/.
I really like the points you pick out of Newman's article. I especially relate wit forgiving people to move past negative emotions. I have had such negative emotions towards people who have hurt me in the past. Forgiving them or trying even giving the benefit of the doubt of why they hurt me has helped me moved past those emotions as they caused way too much mental distress in my life. It's always a good reminder to see stuff on forgiveness to make sure I'm not holding onto negative emotions. I also agree how helpful writing is for helping to cope with I would say anything. I think writing tends to be the best way to build resilience but I might not suggest finding silver linings right after something bad has happened, that may take time to be able to notice or even accept. I found facing fears to be a helpful tool a while after something has happened like Newman stated. It can be helpful to work through those emotions or thoughts eventually but I wouldn't say immediately most the time.
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