Why You Need to Start Watching TED Talks NOW

I think it’s common to say that in University a popular phrase we hear students saying is “I’m taking a study break”. Study breaks are great and I highly encourage students do this because it helps you not only retain more information but also helps improve your overall mental health. Just be sure to not let your 20-minute study break end up as a Stranger Things Season 2 binge fest. Often we tend to use our breaks to recharge and go on websites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and every student’s personal favourite – Netflix. However, what do we actually gain from this? Entertainment for sure, but what else?

I got introduced to TED talks a few years ago and I recommend all my friends and family to watch TED talks because not only is it a form of entertainment, but it provides something that a lot of the internet doesn’t give us – motivation and knowledge, and knowledge is power right? So I am giving you a challenge: The next time you take a study break, rather than watching that Tasty video that you are probably never going to make, or scrolling mindlessly through your Facebook News Feed, watch a TED Talk. The great thing about TED talks is that there is a talk about anything and everything! Don’t believe me? Watch this TED Talk on why an Artist is training mushrooms to eat her body. I wasn’t kidding about how there is a TED Talk about anything you can imagine. Another great thing about TED Talks is that their talks range in length. Whether its needing a quick motivational talk before a midterm, a talk to help you get through your workout, or even a talk to help you when you are having a bad day, TED has something for you. I have compiled 3 my favourites below that I think every student should watch. I hope you give them a look!

Andy Puddicombe: All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes

This is probably my favorite talk, because it has changed my life and I recommend it to every University student. With University comes a lot of stress, and students tend to just continue to overwork themselves to the point where they burnout. This isn’t healthy at all not only for your mental health, but your physical health as well. You have probably seen in social media about the importance of “self-care”, and Andy Puddicombe really explains the importance of just adopting a simple lifestyle change to help improve your mental health. And the best part? It only takes 10 minutes!

Tim Urban: Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator

Whether you like to admit it or not, I’m sure we all have pushed off that lab report or paper and kept telling ourselves “I’ll do it later”. Then we find ourselves at 11pm the night before the assignment is due, high on coffee and trying to scramble ideas together onto Microsoft Word over the next few hours. Can you relate? But have you ever wondered “why do I procrastinate”? This TED talk will show you what happens when you procrastinate in a humorous yet thought provoking way.

Kevin Briggs: The Bridge Between Suicide and Life

I know what you are thinking, “suicide? This seems like a dark TED Talk”, but hear me out. The speaker, Kevin Briggs, not only shares personal stories about his work as a responder to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge (one of the world’s most popular places people attempt suicide), but he also provides us insight on how to help others who may be dealing with mental health issues. This was one of the first TED Talks I ever saw and I think as students we need to watch this. Being a student comes with a lot of work, which can lead to stress, and for some; anxiety, depression, and even suicidal tendencies. Why I think this is important is because as students we don’t often realize that our closest friends and family members might actually be suffering from mental health issues. Brigg’s educates us on the warning signs and coping mechanisms we can offer to those who need it, rather than addressing the issue when it is too late.