Wellbeing

Hot & Cold: Dealing with Passive Aggressive Behaviour at Work & Uni Working in groups is rarely straightforward—whether it’s tackling dreaded group assignments with classmates or collaborating on projects at work, challenges are bound to arise. With so many different personalities in one team, conflicts and disagreements are almost inevitable. Sometimes, these issues are quickly resolved through open discussion or even heated debates. Other times, however, underlying resentment or a stubborn attitude can lead to passive-aggressive behaviour. Passive-aggressiveness is when someone expresses negative emotions like anger, irritation, or disappointment indirectly—without saying it outright. This behaviour, also known as concealed aggression, is more about what a person doesn’t do rather than what they do. Instead of being upfront about their feelings, someone may resort to: Avoidance: Ignoring certain topics or people altogether, refusing to engage. (Important to note: this is different from genuine miscommunication or forgetfulness.) Silence: Commonly known as the “silent treatment,” this involves refusing to speak or interact unless absolutely necessary—often used to signal displeasure. Sarcasm & Subtle Remarks: Making sly comments, jokes, or digs that undermine someone else. These remarks are often disguised as humor, making them difficult to call out directly. Weaponised Kindness: Going out of their way to help, only to later make pointed remarks about carrying extra responsibility. Weaponised Incompetence: Pretending not to know how to do something, or deliberately doing a poor job, to avoid responsibilities or punish the person assigning the task. (This is different from genuinely lacking the skills or knowledge.) While it may seem petty or mean-spirited, passive-aggressive behaviour isn’t always intentional. Some people unconsciously use it as a way to avoid open conflict, thinking it helps maintain peace. Others may be fully aware of their actions but justify their behaviour rather than admit to it. Over time, though, this pattern can harm relationships, erode trust, and disrupt communication—especially if it’s done deliberately. If you’re dealing with passive-aggressive behaviour, here are some approaches that might help: Communicate: Address the situation directly and calmly. Share how their behaviour makes you feel and, if necessary, apologise for any misunderstandings. This can create a chance to clear the air. If they still refuse to engage, then… Ignore It: Some people act this way to provoke a reaction. By not responding, you deny them the satisfaction of seeing their behaviour impact you. Stay calm and carry on normally. If it begins to interfere with your work or shared responsibilities, though… Set Boundaries: Establish limits on how much you’ll tolerate. For example, if someone keeps giving you the silent treatment, you might stop reaching out after a certain point. You can also choose to distance yourself until they acknowledge their behaviour. Dealing with passive-aggressiveness isn’t always pleasant, but don’t let it discourage you. Most of the time, staying polite, professional, and composed is enough to handle it effectively. Remember, this behaviour reflects more on the other person’s attitude than on your own.

Networking For Introverts Keith Ferrazzi( author of Never Eat Alone a best-seller on networking for professional success) once said, “Networking isn’t smarmy”. Instead, the term ‘networking’ is a buzzword for building sincere relationships based on mutual generosity. Good networks help you find jobs, recruit talent, and helps you attract potential clients and investors.  However, for those of us on the quieter end of the scale, i.e. introverts, talking and reaching out to people can be… a bit of a trial. The process of making small talk and breaking the ice to establish the roots of the network can feel insincere or manipulative. To add to that, introverts often tend avoid a lot of social interactions due to a fear of rejection. It is much easier to avoid it, and avoid the pain that come along with it. But in doing so, introverts also wind up indirectly undermining their careers, their projects, and themselves.    But don’t despair- there’s a way to get past your networking demons. Keep reading to see how you can make the best of each opportunity! Tip #1: Be Prepared Approach all networking opportunities with a game plan. Before you dive into an event, whether it’s a group event or dinner party, make sure you do your homework. Find out who will be attending, and think critically about your objectives for attending in the first place. What information do you want to walk away with and what do you want to convey to the people you meet?    As far as possible, try to avoid charging in without a plan, or “winging it” unless there is literally no other option available. Tip #2: Time Your Entry No, this is not an invitation to get a confetti cannon for a grand entrance.   Walking up to join a group which is already engaged in a lively discussion can be an unbelievably intimidating experience- especially if you’re not the type who likes to put forth your own opinions. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t make your way in; you most certainly can! Just keep in mind that there is an art to doing so. To start with, avoid pushing your way into the group and blurting out opinions- nothing kills the conversation flow faster than someone barging in. To add to that, pushing your way in obnoxiously is guaranteed to leave a bad first impression on those watching. The best way to ease your way into the conversation is to just smile and listen for a moment to get the gist of the conversation.   Still wondering how to break the ice? When there is a pause, or another suitable opportunity, ask a simple question on the topic of discussion. This achieves two things; 1. It helps build your credibility- by asking a question, you show that you have some knowledge on the topic in question (as you know what to ask) and that you’re someone who takes the time to listen. 2. For someone shy, asking questions can be easier than launching into speech or stating an opinion- it invites others to speak with you, making it easier to connect.  Tip #3: Keep Business Cards Handy Never leave your workplace without a few of your business cards handy. Business cards are an effective way for you to leave your name behind so that people remember you-especially if you are introverted. If networking gets overwhelming, don’t squander any potential contacts you do have. Instead, offer them your business card and let them know it’s okay to reach out. They’ll be more likely to mirror your response by offering their own card -and that way, you’ll have made a solid, repeatable connection.   Tip #4: Listen More Everyone loves to talk- especially about themselves. And while some folks may be quiet, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re listening- some of them could just be waiting for the chance to continue talking. If you are on the shy side, listening is easier than talking. All you need to do is pay attention to the conversation and listen as sincerely as you can.  So how does this help with networking? By letting other people discuss their experiences and opinions with you – and listening with sincere interest – you will stick out as someone they had a great conversation with. And the best part? You won’t have to say much at all! Tip #5: Leverage On Human Curiosity Worried about freezing up mid-conversation? Here’s a way to avoid that- Think of a list of go-to questions that can get you through the first few minutes of meeting new faces. There’s no one on earth who doesn’t enjoy talking about themselves. Ask them about themselves and what they work on, or what they like to do in their free time. Learning about what makes people tick is what we do in business after all- and this is a handy way to meet new people while discovering common interests!  Above all, don’t forget to just be yourself and enjoy the experience!   Related Topics: General Law Business Marketing & Advertising Accounting & Finance Mass Comm Graphic Designing Broadcasting & Film IT Gaming Computer Engineering Software Engineering Hospitality & Tourism Education Psychology

Health and Wellness Trends By Nash Nithi In recent years, the collective consciousness surrounding health and wellness has shifted significantly. Gone are the days when health was viewed through the narrow lens of physical fitness and dietary restrictions. Today, the approach is far more holistic, encompassing not just the body, but also the mind and spirit. This broadened perspective has given rise to several emerging trends, including plant-based diets, mindfulness practices and holistic approaches to fitness, each playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of health and wellness. Plant-Based Diets: Nourishing the Body and the Planet The plant-based diet trend is more than just a fleeting fad; it’s a profound shift in how we think about food and its impact on our health and the environment. This diet emphasises whole, minimally processed foods that come from plants, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes and beans. It’s not necessarily about refraining from all animal products but about prioritising plant-based foods. The benefits of a plant-based diet are manifold. For individuals, it offers a myriad of health advantages, including a lower risk of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. From an environmental perspective, shifting towards plant-based eating can significantly reduce carbon footprint, water usage and land needed for farming, contributing to sustainability and conservation efforts. Mindfulness Practices: Cultivating Mental and Emotional Wellness Mindfulness has transformed from a niche practice to a mainstream trend, thanks in part to a growing body of research highlighting its benefits. Mindfulness involves being fully present and engaged in the moment, aware of our thoughts and feelings without distraction or judgment. This can be practiced through meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or simply integrating mindful awareness into daily activities. The impact of mindfulness on health and wellness is profound. It has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, improve attention and concentration, enhance emotional resilience, and even lower blood pressure. As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and digitally connected, mindfulness offers a much-needed pause, helping individuals reconnect with themselves and their surroundings in a meaningful way. Holistic Approaches to Fitness: Beyond the Physical Body Holistic fitness takes into account the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of well-being. It’s an integrated approach that moves beyond mere exercise routines to include nutritional guidance, mental health support and practices that foster spiritual growth, such as meditation and mindfulness. The goal is not just to improve physical fitness but to achieve a balanced and harmonious state of being. This trend recognises that optimal health cannot be achieved through physical activity alone. Emotional and mental well-being are equally important and activities such as yoga and Tai Chi, which emphasise the connection between mind, body and spirit, have gained popularity. Holistic fitness programmes often incorporate nature walks, dance and team sports, promoting not only physical health but also social interaction and a deep connection with the natural world. Sustainability and Ethical Practices The connection between personal health and planetary health is becoming impossible to ignore. As awareness on the environmental impact of our lifestyle choices grows, future trends in health and wellness will increasingly emphasise sustainability and ethical practices. This will manifest in a greater demand for locally sourced, organic plant-based foods; eco-friendly fitness apparel and equipment; and wellness retreats and centres that prioritise sustainability in their operations. This shift not only benefits the environment but also aligns with a holistic approach to wellness that recognises the interdependence of all living things. Education and Accessibility A key challenge in the health and wellness industry has been the accessibility of information and resources. The future will see a concerted effort to democratise health and wellness, making it accessible to diverse populations regardless of socioeconomic status, geography, or education level. This could involve the integration of health and wellness education into school curriculums, community-based health initiatives and the use of technology to bridge gaps in access to information and services. By ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, the wellness industry can play a crucial role in reducing health disparities and promoting equity. Integrative and Preventative Healthcare Finally, the integration of holistic health and wellness practices into the healthcare system represents a significant future trend. There is a growing recognition of the limitations of a purely reactive, treatment-focused healthcare model. The future will likely see a more preventative approach, one that integrates nutrition, fitness and mindfulness practices as foundational elements of healthcare. This shift requires not only changes in healthcare policy and insurance coverage but also a cultural shift in how we perceive health and wellness—as a spectrum that encompasses mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. The future of health and wellness is bright, characterised by a more personalised, community-focused, sustainable, accessible and integrative approach. As we move forward, the trends of today will evolve into the foundations of tomorrow, shaping a world where health and wellness are woven into the fabric of society, accessible to all and recognised as essential for a fulfilling life.