Resilience is a set of actions and qualities that allow us to manage stressful situations with success. Resilient people tend to confront challenging situations head-on by taking action to remedy the situation with either a fix or a creative detour. Being resilient can reduce overwhelming feelings and help us look on the bright side. Keep reading to learn what steps might boost your ability to get on track when life throws adversity your way.
The facts
- Resilience can be defined as adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, or times of significant stress (for example, serious health conditions, financial stressors, and family challenges).
- Resilience to challenging experiences can be empowering, leading to personal growth and positive life changes. Being resilient doesn’t mean everything in life is going your way; it allows you to see past the situation and find solutions to manage challenges in a more positive way.
- Resilience involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that you can learn and strengthen over time, at any age, with practice and dedication. Read on to learn how.
Build your resilience
- Positive self-talk is key. An optimistic narrative is empowering and confidence-building. Visualize the direction you are heading towards versus worrying about what you fear. Remember change is part of life and you are built to do hard things. Embrace it and look for the positives.
- Do what you love. Planning activities that you enjoy gives you something to look forward to, which can brighten your outlook and mood.
- Stay mindful by journaling, doing yoga, or practicing mindfulness and meditation to restore hope.
- Practice self-care such as a healthy eating style, regular physical activity, or schedule a massage. Self-care is never selfish and may help you build resilience.
- Do not short-change your sleep. Quality sleep is restorative to the body and mind, which helps our decision-making and emotional health.
- Start a daily gratitude practice. This can help you adjust to less-than-ideal situations. Take a minute at the end of each day to reflect on three people, moments, experiences, or things you are grateful for.
- Practice acceptance. Focus on controlling what you can and attempt to let go of what you cannot.
Connection and community
- Social connection and community drive resilience. Resist the urge to withdraw during challenging situations and stay connected.
- Surround yourself with those who are supportive, hear you, encourage you to be your best, speak up when you need a return to a positive mindset, or to affirm your decisions.
- Asking for help is a sign of strength. Seek family, friends, social networks, or mental health professionals (for example, therapy or support groups) for engagement, empowerment, recovery, and regrouping.
- Find a sense of purpose. Contribute to helping your family, friends, or community as giving back to others will provide a sense of security and belonging.
Conclusion
Increasing your resilience may take time and requires intention, but it is worth the effort. Becoming more resilient will have a positive impact on your life as well as the people around you.