Be Your Best Academy

“This course really acknowledges that positive psychology isn’t about just being positive all the time (ie toxic positivity that can sometimes be invalidating), but about being realistic. This gave me insight I did not previously have. I really likes engaging in the PERMA quiz because it helped me feel like I have something to work to analyse my progress. I enjoyed the gratitude section too because it was incredibly practical. I have yet to send the letter but the process of writing it really brought out some intense feelings. This activity wasn’t like the classic gratitude journal where you just come up with materialistic things you feel grateful for. This was more thought out, in depth and a down-to earth approach to gratitude journaling that goes one step further than just being grateful with what you have. It made me feel accepted for the people that have helped me through tough times- it makes me feel more than grateful. It makes me feel accepted and less alone. I am grateful for the support I have. Overall this module taught me a lot and helped me obtain strategies to sail smoothly through the emotional turmoil I have been grappling with- and continue to make more progress to reach my mental health goals.”

“This was probably the most engaging and challenging module so far. There were some great activities here, like the PERMA quiz, the colouring, mindfulness app, and the quizzes were all great. I enjoyed the gratitude visit, and I’m glad it was remade as ‘neurodivergent’. I also really liked the pictures in this module. The rainbow flower with the smiling person is worthy of being a tattoo. The mindful colouring was a good idea, but turns out that mindful colouring isn’t as effective for me as that app, but I ended with a cool picture of psychedelic seahorses. Maybe the module could advise those sceptical about colouring that there’s nothing wrong with colouring in these images with bizarre colours, like making the ocean magma-red. I have more fun colouring in like that. My other thought was that it would be worthwhile linking to a free mindful colouring app, but I can’t find any that I like. There’s plenty of ad-supported apps that let you colour in blank spaces with one touch, which isn’t as satisfying as colouring in with a stylus. I think readers would benefit more from this module if they go through it slowly and focus on each activity, instead of rushing through it like I did on first reading. That’s probably true for all of them, but it’s especially true for this one I think. ”