We usually consider life to be going well when we have more positive experiences than negative experiences. Like a bank account, we need to put in more than we take out to be stable. When we have a high amount of positive experiences and then have a setback, we’re more likely to bounce back quickly. (Think: a $10 withdrawal out of an account with $1000.) Yet, when you have a setback after a week of layoffs, bad grades, and relationship woes, any small issue could feel catastrophic. (Think: a $10 withdrawal out of an account with $13.)

At Sunrise, we help our students accumulate these experiences by exposing them to a variety of activities. These include camping, rock climbing, rappelling, and activities in the nearby city to build positive emotions into their lives regularly. This improves the likelihood that our students will experience more positive emotions. When a student does go through a time of sadness, anxiety, or other unwanted emotion, she has many positive memories to look back on. These memories remind her that life can be joyous and help her move forward.

To have an effective bank account of positive experiences, you need to participate in both short-term and long-term experiences.