Emotional Hygiene: Crucial but often neglected

Hope you all have liked my first post. I know that many of you are in the college doing your graduation or planning to start this interesting phase of life. So, my first advice, little off to the topic though, that this is particularly an important part of your life, so make the best utilisation of this opportunity and enjoy it both academically and professionally. Colleges are a sign that now you are closer to self-dependency and self-evaluation. Before you start a college life, you must be getting a volley of guidance in terms of every aspect. However, one area which is crucial and often ignored is the importance of emotional hygiene which is crucial for a productive mind and a content life.

So, what is this emotional hygiene and why does it play a very crucial role in our life? Well, I abstain myself from going into the definition or the theory part and prefer the pragmatic approach for understanding the concept. Thus, let me ask you a question which is when the last time you fully accepted the feedback given on your low-score (as per your expectations) and explored the areas for improvement without complaining or blaming. I can guarantee, that this was quite long back, or it must have never happened. Do not worry, as this is common among all the ages in various social transactions.

I am not saying that you shouldn't accept the feedback as they are given, but how do we indiscriminately react to the feedback is the matter of concern. When we get a good one, we are delighted and we feel great, while the reaction is different or opposite in the case of unfavourable ones.

My suggestion is to adapt equality in terms of these opposite reactions. I know it is easier said than done, but it is vital for our emotional well-being. Irrespective of the nature of the outcome that you get on your work, you should meet with the designated professor and discuss with him/her in details. Try to understand the reasoning or thought process applied behind the assessment.

You must be wondering why you need to do this, so this is a behavioural change, and this requires actions to adapt the same. For instance, can you recall the exact date when you learnt what your name is? It is impossible to answer that, and this is where the beauty of human-learning lies. Therefore, when you develop this habit of having a discussion, irrespective of the outcomes, you will develop your emotional muscle and gradually you will reach to the state of mind wherein you could manage these situations maturely and rationally.