Have you ever felt completely mentally, emotionally, and physically drained by the challenges life throws at you? If yes, then you’re not alone. We recently had an incredible session on Building Resilience led by Nina Siddiqui, a resiliency coach and applied psychologist, along with Wajeeha Jalal and Marium Salman from IEC’s placement team. The session was filled with eye-opening discussions, engaging activities, and practical strategies to help us bounce back stronger from adversity.
Kicking Off: The Warm Welcome
The session started with warm greetings to Nina Siddiqui, who set the stage for an interactive and thought-provoking discussion. With around 20-25 participants, the energy in the (virtual) room was positive and engaging.
Marium also took a moment to introduce IEC, highlighting its diverse student body and the importance of fostering both technical and non-technical skills. Meanwhile, Nina shared their enthusiasm for the growing representation of women in tech, breaking stereotypes, and empowering individuals through knowledge and self-awareness.
Understanding Resilience: It’s Not About Avoiding Pain
So, what exactly is resilience? Nina explained it beautifully—it’s not about avoiding pain or difficulties but about learning to navigate through them. They used the analogy of swimming across puddles, where each puddle represents a challenge in life. Ahmed Ali, one of the participants, summed it up powerfully:
“Resilience is the power to restore yourself after someone has broken you down very badly.”
The conversation then shifted towards self-compassion, overcoming negativity bias, and the importance of acknowledging and accepting emotions. Let’s be honest—how often do we push our feelings aside instead of dealing with them? This session reminded us that self-compassion isn’t weakness; it’s strength.
Activities That Picked Brains of Students
Nina didn’t just talk to students; she actively involved them. One of the activities encouraged participants to share their feelings about burnout and tiredness. It was a raw, honest moment where people opened up about facing discrimination, societal pressures, and personal struggles.
Another highlight was the resilience quiz, which gave participants a moment for self-reflection. These activities weren’t just for the sake of engagement—they truly helped us reflect on our emotional well-being and where we stand on our resilience journey.
Breaking the Negativity Cycle
Did you know our brains naturally have a negativity bias? Basically, we’re wired to focus on negative experiences more than positive ones—it’s a survival mechanism. But Nina shared some amazing ways to combat this:
- Practicing gratitude
Focus on the good, no matter how small. - Journaling
Writing down thoughts helps process emotions. - Challenging negative thought patterns
Pause, reflect, and reframe your mindset.
The Power of Connection & Spirituality
One of the most beautiful takeaways from the session was the importance of human connection. We heal through relationships, whether it’s with friends, family, or even through spirituality. Nina emphasized that having a connection to something bigger than ourselves can be a source of strength. Simple things like physical touch, sharing experiences, or even a deep conversation can make a difference in our emotional resilience.
Mindfulness & Self-Care: The Secret Ingredients
Let’s face it—self-care isn’t just about spa days and bubble baths. Mindfulness plays a huge role in our mental health. Nina introduced us to small but effective ways to practice mindfulness daily, such as:
Engaging the five senses:
Pay attention to the present moment.
Journaling:
Express emotions through writing.
Connecting with nature:
Take a walk, breathe in fresh air, and reset.
Finding Meaning in Struggles: A Lesson from Viktor Frankl
One of the most powerful parts of the session was when Viktor Frankl’s philosophy was discussed. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, emphasized that finding meaning in suffering gives us the strength to keep going. It’s not about what happens to us, but how we choose to respond that defines our resilience. Powerful, isn’t it?
Wrapping Up: Takeaways & Final Thoughts
As the session came to an end, participants shared their gratitude for the insights and personal reflections. Nina left us with one final message: “Be kind to yourself, acknowledge your journey, and embrace resilience.”
Lastly, the placement team also made sure everyone knew how to access the session notes and resources through blogs , ensuring that we could revisit these valuable lessons whenever needed.
Final Thought: Resilience is a Journey, Not a Destination
This session wasn’t just another webinar—it was a reminder to be gentle with ourselves, seek support, and keep growing. Life will throw challenges our way, but with self-compassion, mindfulness, and a strong support system, we can overcome anything.
What’s one thing you do to build resilience in your own life?
She is a Content Creator at IEC with expertise in content creation and graphic design. She is passionate about storytelling, creativity, and crafting impactful digital content.
