In an effort to milk every penny out of my tuition, this semester I have committed myself to fully engaging with all the material presented in my classes.
In biochemistry, we are currently learning about buffers — weak acids and conjugate bases that “buffer,” or resist, aggressive changes in pH within a certain range. While this concept is fascinating biologically, I feel like it has some real-world applications too.
Just as chemical buffers keep biological systems stable, I think emotional buffers are also necessary to stabilize our emotions. It is important to have mechanisms that help resist extreme shifts in mood.
Life is filled with unpredictable challenges and surprises, and sometimes even the tiniest inconveniences can spiral into complete meltdowns if we do not set up a system to support emotional constancy.
In chemistry, buffers work because they contain both a weak acid and its conjugate base, and the two are complementary — emotional buffers require that same balance. You need the courage to be vulnerable and the wisdom to be reflective. While vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, it actually allows us to build stronger relationships with others and ourselves. Reflection, on the other hand, helps us stay aligned to our deeper values. Together, reflection and vulnerability form a system that can help us interact with this ever-changing world without being consumed by it.
To understand a buffer, it is important to first understand the solution’s condition. In real life, I would translate this to being self-aware. Checking in with yourself can make an enormous difference for mental well-being. Sometimes, feelings of exhaustion, overstimulation or even hunger can leave us feeling emotionally dejected. Taking a few minutes to breathe, rest or simply pause when you feel an emotional breakdown coming can be beneficial. It’s not about avoiding how you feel, but allowing yourself enough space to process these feelings. I believe relationships can also serve as powerful emotional buffers. The people who truly know and care for us help absorb some of our emotional intensity. But for relationships to have a meaningful effect, they have to be centered in vulnerability. It is difficult to get help from people when they don’t know the truth of your problems. I also think gratitude, faith and mindfulness play an important role in reflection. For me, prayer often acts as that gentle stabilizer — a space to release what is heavy and to embrace peace. For others, journaling, meditation or even quiet walks might serve a similar purpose.
We can, however, only do so much. Even chemical buffers have limits. I am sure there are times when emotions are too strong, or a change too sudden, and we lose our balance, but that’s okay. At the end of the day, perfection is not the goal, supporting balance is.
