compared to their counterparts who lack
optimism. The power of optimism cannot be
underestimated, as it plays a signicant role in
shaping a student's academic journey and
overall well-being. Optimistic students possess a
unique mindset that enables them to approach
challenges with a sense of hope and resilience.
They view setbacks as temporary obstacles
rather than undefeatable barriers, allowing
them to bounce back from failures and continue
striving towards attaining their goals.
Even when circumstances are dicult, optimism
enables us to see the world in a positive light. It
gives us perspective for the future and
encourages us to keep going even when we feel
like surrendering. Ultimately, optimism makes
us happier and more successful people.
01
This Award is for YOU!
Lecturer of the Month
AQSA.SHABBIR@bybrod.com
Aqsa is a true embodiment
of compassion and an
exceptional listener. Her
students admire her for the
genuine care and attention
she oers, making them
feel valued and heard. Her
ability to lend a
compassionate ear has left an indelible impact
on those she serves.
In her dual role as a lecturer and counselor, Aqsa
Shabbir excels in both realms. She seamlessly
combines her expertise in the subject matter
with her empathetic counseling skills, creating a
holistic and enriching learning experience for
her students.
Aqsa's presence at the Center for Well-Being and
Positive Psychology has been transformative.
Her positive inuence has created a nurturing
environment where students thrive.
Have you ever had a day when the world
seemed a bit brighter, your heart a bit lighter,
and a sense of contentment washed over you?
Gratitude journaling is the key to unlocking
these moments of pure bliss. In the words of
psychologists and researchers, gratitude
journaling is the art of relishing life's small joys
and expressing heartfelt appreciation for them.
It's about recognizing the everyday blessings
that often go unnoticed. It involves the blessings
that we human beings sometimes fail to notice
The beauty of gratitude journaling resides in its
inherent simplicity and versatility. Crafting a
daily journal can be a delightful activity,
requiring nothing more than the simple act of
capturing a handful of heartfelt sentiments.
Whether it's the valued loved ones who grace
your life, the remarkable experiences you
stumble upon, or even the minute intricacies
that ignite a sense of joy within you, penning
down these precious moments can prove to be
an eortless and rewarding practice.
What makes it truly magical is its ripple eect. As
you cultivate gratitude, you not only brighten
your days but also radiate positivity around you.
It's a small act of rebellion against the negativity
that can sometimes overwhelm our lives.
So, my dear readers, the next time you take a
moment to pen down your gratitude, cherish it.
Gratitude journaling is your passport to a world
where joy is abundant, and life's vibrant colors
shine a little brighter. Embrace it, and let it ll
your life with warmth and contentment.
Optimism, dened as a mental attitude or
disposition marked by hope and condence in
the future, is a quality that many individuals
strive to cultivate. It is a mindset that enables
individuals to approach life's challenges with a
positive outlook and a belief that things will
ultimately work out for the best. Embracing
optimism can have a profound impact on one's
overall well-being and can contribute to a more
fullling and satisfying life.
Individuals who possess an optimistic
perspective, rmly believe that good things will
happen. Their unwavering positive outlook not
only shapes their mindset but also has a
profound impact on their overall well-being and
achievements. Whereas those who adopt a
pessimistic attitude often nd themselves
trapped in a cycle of negativity, hindering their
happiness and success.
It has been widely observed that students who
possess a positive outlook on life tend to have a
higher likelihood of achieving success
"Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders:
IAC’s Summer Camp Leadership
Training Program
The leadership training oered at the IAC Summer Camp has proven to be a
pivotal experience for students, equipping them with the essential tools
necessary for success in the real world. This comprehensive training program
was thoughtfully structured over several weeks, with each week dedicated to
honing specic skills aimed at nurturing students into their best selves.
The inaugural week places a strong emphasis on critical thinking,
problem-solving, and strategic planning. Continued on Page 3
Summer Camp students assembled in the open amphitheater for leadership training activity
Federally Chartered
Degree Awarding Institute
Recognized by Higher Education Commission (HEC)
NEWSLETTER
VOL-1 | ISSUE-4 | OCTOBER 2023
CENTER FOR WELL BEING AND POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Gratitude Journaling: Embracing
Life's Bright Moments!
BY EDITOR: YUMNA.QURESHI@bybrod.com
"Optimism is a happiness magnet. If
you stay positive, good things and good
people will be drawn to you."
NAWAL BASHIR: NAWAL.BASHIR@bybrod.com
0202
The Institute for Arts and Culture recently
introduced the BS Psychology Program. The
formation of the Board of Studies was
facilitated by the Center for Well-Being and
Positive Psychology. Dr. Shahnila Tariq from UMT and Dr. Naumana Amjad from Nur University were
extended invitations to join the Board of Studies for the BS Psychology Program. Both guests expressed
their admiration for the program and emphasized the inclusion of innovative courses like positive
psychology, forensic psychology, and media psychology. Furthermore, they received an overview of
the center's activities and lauded the eorts of the faculty in promoting the mental and personal
well-being of students. Respected guests accepted the invitations and are now esteemed members of
the BS Psychology Program's Board of Studies.
Ms. Shahnila Tariq
VISITS
Renowned Psychologists Join Board of Studies
for Innovative BS Psychology Program
The faculty of Center for Well Being and Positive Psychology with Dr. Shahnila
Tariq after successfully signing of the Board of Studies for BS Psychology
Program
Book Review
BOOK RECOMMENDATION
Flourish, a book written by the esteemed author
Martin Seligman delves into the profound
notion of well-being. Seligman, a true pioneer in
the Positive Psychology movement, has
successfully set a new standard for enhancing
the human condition. In his book, the author
delivers on his promise to guide readers towards
a ourishing life. With an electrifying new
theory, he explores the essence of a good life,
not just for individuals but also for society as a
whole.
The book introduces the concept of PERMA,
representing Positive Emotion, Engagement,
Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment –
the ve pillars of Positive Psychology that foster
profound life satisfaction.
This book's far-reaching implications are truly
thought-provoking. Seligman's groundbreaking
ideas have the potential to completely
transform various elds such as education,
economics, therapy, medicine, and public policy.
Engaging examples showcase Positive
Psychology in action, from innovative
approaches in education to elevating employee
well-being in corporations. The book oers
exercises for self-reection, facilitating personal
growth.
Seligman's book oers a range of exercises that
eectively prompt readers to delve into their
attitudes and aspirations. This aspect of the
book makes it an invaluable tool for personal
growth.
"Flourish" is a truly remarkable book that oers a
fresh perspective and serves as a source of
inspiration. It provides valuable insights and,
more importantly, presents practical strategies
for enhancing one's life experience.
Her dedication to nurturing mental well-being and personal growth is commendable.
Aqsa Shabbir is our Lecturer of the Month for her unwavering dedication to students' holistic
development, her deep connections with them, and her promotion of well-being and positive
psychology.
In the journey of life, you have the power to shape your destiny, and as the head counselor, I am here
to guide you through the intricate patterns of your mind. Remember, it's not the strength of the storm
that denes you, but your ability to dance in the rain.
Embrace your inner resilience. Every obstacle you encounter is an opportunity to become stronger and
wiser. You have the power to transform adversity into strength and setbacks into stepping stones.
Life's journey is indeed a complex web of experiences, encompassing both moments of brightness and
darkness. By cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness, practicing self-compassion, and embracing
perseverance, you have the power to uncover and embrace your true potential. It's the small,
consistent steps you take each day that lead to monumental changes.
I encourage you all to have faith in yourself, as you possess an extraordinary ability to conquer
challenges and achieve your aspirations. With every setback, you gain experience; with every eort,
you build character. When faced with doubt, it is important to remind yourself that your mind is a
powerful asset and that your potential knows no limits.
As a counselor, I am here to provide guidance, but the true transformation lies within you so keep
moving forward, for your potential is innite, and your journey is worth every step.
From the Head Counselor’s Desk:
AYESHA HAIDER: AYESHA.HAIDER@bybrod.com
Remember, it's not the strength of the storm that denes you, but
your ability to dance in the rain.
Faculty Development Program Chapter 3:
Unlocking the Power of Effective Communication
WORKSHOP
A Faculty Development Program (FDP) session dedicated to enhancing communication
eectiveness within departments was conducted successfully with the Heads of the Departments.
The primary objective of the session was to emphasize the crucial importance of ecient
communication and devise approaches to enhance interdepartmental and intradepartmental
communication. In addition to these informative discussions, a question-and-answer segment was
incorporated to respond to inquiries, while interactive games were employed to promote
companionship and build bonds among the department heads. This comprehensive approach
aimed to equip participants with valuable insights to foster better communication within their
academic departments.
“An intriguing book, that oers
valuable insights for achieving
a life lled with deep
satisfaction and fulllment”
“Not every day you come across
such institutes that are working
or the mental well-being of
their students”
03
Radiating Condence: Student proudly presenting her work
at a campus exhibition
Student’s Testimonial
OSAMA09007@GMAIL.COM
MUHAMMAD OSAMA AHMAD
This captivating course has not only broadened
my academic horizons but has also connected
me with a team of truly cooperative counselors.
The center’s sta, in particular, stands out as a
beacon of encouragement and support,
consistently going above and beyond to assist
students. Their expertise makes them
well-equipped to address the challenges that
stressed-out students often face.
University life can be a whirlwind of
responsibilities and pressures, and in my
personal experience, it can easily become
overwhelming. The mental and emotional toll of
balancing coursework, social interactions, and
personal growth can be immense. In such times,
having a caring and empathetic individual to
talk to is nothing short of a blessing. The center’s
counselors provide a safe space for students to
share their concerns, making the university
journey a more manageable and fullling one.
The term gratitude originates from the Latin term gratia, which means grace or a state of being
thankful. Gratitude is an emotional state characterized by a sense of appreciation and thankfulness. It
is a sense of thankfulness and joy in response to receiving a gift, whether the gift is a tangible benet
from a specic other or a moment of peaceful bliss evoked by natural beauty. With gratitude, people
acknowledge the goodness in their lives.
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that individuals experience and convey in various ways. Many
individuals choose to incorporate the practice of applying gratitude to their past experiences, as they
nd solace in recalling positive memories and expressing gratitude for past blessings. Many individuals
express gratitude for the present moment, recognizing the value of not taking their blessings for
granted. Gratitude enhances the quality of life and makes it more worth living. It opens the human
spirit and instills the desire to reciprocate with good deeds. It also enhances personal lives and
strengthens relationships with friends and family.
The act of expressing gratitude has been found to have positive eects on our overall well-being,
including our emotional state, physical health, and ability to manage stress. This phenomenon
facilitates individuals in experiencing heightened positive emotions, savoring favorable occurrences,
enhancing their overall well-being, and cultivating healthy interpersonal connections.
Everyone can benet from trying to practice gratitude in day-to-day life. It can be achieved simply by
paying attention to the good things that happen to us. We must appreciate and accept the importance
of everything in nature and our surroundings. Whenever possible we should express gratitude to those
who contribute to our comfort, such as gardeners, security guards, sweepers, delivery men, etc. We
should make a habit of thanking God when we wake up in the morning and before sleeping at night.
Gratitude can change your life as it makes you appreciate what you have, rather than what you don’t
have. It is the single most powerful source of inspiration that any individual can tap into if they simply
stop and pay attention to the simplistic beauty and miracles of life.
Gratitude: Unlocking the Fullness of Life
AMNA SALEEM: AMNA.SALEEM@bybrod.com
"Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: IAC’s Summer
Camp Leadership Training Program
SUMMER CAMP
I'm Areeba, and I'd like to share my transformative journey
at IAC. Initially lled with anticipation and dreams of
studying at this prestigious institution, I soon encountered
daunting challenges. Adapting to the new environment
proved far more demanding than expected. Struggling to
From Doubt to Confidence:
A Student's Journey of
Transformation
STUDENT’S CORNER
Engaged in the human knot activity, the students of the summer camp showcasing their
teamwork and enthusiasm
The week commenced with the
"Find the Leaders" activity, a
unique exercise challenging
students to identify individuals
based on a set of specic
qualities. For problem-solving,
the "Human Knot" activity was
introduced, where students
collaborated to untangle a
human knot. Furthermore, class
discussions were conducted to
foster critical thinking and
debate on pertinent topics. For
the strategic planning session, the students were divided into groups, provided with paper cups, and
tasked with devising a strategy to construct the tallest tower from the cups within a specied time
frame.
These activities collectively encapsulated the qualities that dene exceptional leadership. The primary
objective of these meticulously designed activities and discussions was to arm students with these
indispensable tools, empowering them to evolve into eective leaders capable of making a signicant
impact in the future.
make friends left me feeling like an outsider,
shrouded in self-doubt.
However, I soon discovered IAC's hidden gem:
the Center for Well-Being and Positive
Psychology. Although hesitant at rst, I sought
help from a counselor, Ms. Aqsa Shabbir, whose
compassionate listening and guidance marked a
turning point. I worked closely with her, gaining
invaluable tools for stress management, time
optimization, and relationship building.
The pivotal moment arrived when I participated
in a campus event, supported by Ms. Aqsa and
the center's sta. I created a piece that
expressed my journey of self-discovery,
symbolizing my transformation from a timid,
self-doubting student into someone ready to
embrace life's challenges.
The resulting exhibition was a tremendous
success, drawing admiration from fellow
students and leading to invitations to join art
clubs. Gradually, I developed strong friendships,
and my condence soared.
The Well-Being Center became my sanctuary, a
hub for growth and self-discovery. Through their
guidance, support, and friendship, I not only
overcame my challenges but thrived in my new
environment. Today, I'm a condent,
well-adjusted student at IAC, excelling
academically while pursuing my passion for art.
My story underscores the strength in seeking
help when facing adversity and the
transformative power of the right guidance.
*We honor your privacy. Only students who
willingly consent will have their stories
published in our newsletter. Rest assured, all
counseling sessions and cases are strictly
condential.
Editor:
Yumna Qureshi
Lecturer
Assistant Editor:
Ayesha Haider
Lecturer
Design Department:
School of Art
EDITORIAL BOARD
(042) 32590040 | https://bybrod.com
7.5 Km from Thokar Niaz Baig,
Main Raiwind Road, Lahore.
CONTACT
@iacofficials
04
Mindfulness, the art of fully
appreciating the present moment,
is a fundamental practice in the
curriculum of the Soft Skills
Lounge. Instructors actively
engage students in mindfulness
activities, recognizing the
numerous advantages they
provide. These practices, which
are rooted in positive psychology,
have the potential to enhance the
well-being and personal
development of students. By
fostering mindfulness, we
empower our students to improve their focus, reduce stress, and cultivate self-awareness and
emotional regulation. In doing so, we create an environment where cognitive skills and memory are
boosted, which lays a strong foundation for learning. These tools equip students not only for academic
success but also for navigating the complexities of their personal lives. The holistic approach of
mindfulness aligns seamlessly with the principles of Positive Psychology, which promotes resilience
among our students.
"Role-Play Rumble: When Soft Skills
Class Turned Hilariously Fun”
Dear Counselor:
How do I?
AHMAD BUTT: MOHAHMAD9098@GMAIL.COM
"Fostering Well-Being Through Mindfulness: The
Soft Skills Lounge Approach"
Keywords:
Communication, bonding, engagement
Goal:
To encourage communication and provide insight into individual and family
dynamics.
Instructions:
Distribute 10-15 colored candies or beads to each family member.
Assign specic questions to dierent candy colors.
Family members sort their candies by color.
One family member randomly selects a color, announces the quantity, and answers the
corresponding question.
This person then chooses the next family member to answer the same question.
Continue until each family member has responded to all questions.
This playful activity encourages family members to communicate and express thoughts and
emotions they may not typically share. It oers valuable insights into family dynamics while
maintaining an engaging and creative atmosphere.
Exercise 16: Colored Candy Go Around
READER’S ACTIVITY
There was this one moment in the Soft Skills class when I was in the most delightfully embarrassing
scenario imaginable. Our teacher, Ms. Rida, had the idea of having us undertake role-play activities to
help us learn about eective communication.
My partner and I had to work together to solve a made-up problem in the oce. Simple, right? Wrong!
To emphasize a point, my partner, Haad, slammed his fake coee cup down on the table, spilling water
all over his notes. He tried to keep a straight face while wet notes stuck to his hands like soggy confetti,
but the entire class erupted in laughter.
After a while, we were able to get back on track, but the laughter from that incident remained. We
discovered that one of the most important soft skills is the ability to laugh o setbacks and move on.
As a result, we developed the most valuable soft skill of all: the ability to laugh at ourselves.
Dear counselor, as you're aware, the
weather is changing, and the onset of
winter is often accompanied by seasonal
depression due to its long, nights. How
can people eectively combat this
seasonal depression?
Dear Reader,
To combat seasonal depression, prioritize
exposure to natural light by spending time
outdoors during daylight hours. Regular
exercise releases mood-boosting endorphins,
aiding in mood stability. Maintain a
well-balanced diet rich in nutrients and consider
vitamin D supplements. Engage in activities you
enjoy, socialize with friends and family, and
practice relaxation techniques such as
meditation or yoga. Adequate sleep is crucial, so
establish a consistent sleep schedule.
Professional counseling or light therapy may be
needed if symptoms persist. Remember, seeking
support from loved ones and professionals can
make a signicant dierence in overcoming
seasonal depression.
