What Is Resilience & How Do I Build It?
Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress—such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors.
Resilience is built over time as the experiences we have interact with our unique, individual genetic makeup. That’s why we all respond to stress and adversity—like that from the derecho of 2020 and COVID-19 pandemic—differently.
It enables us to develop mechanisms for protection against experiences which could be overwhelming, it helps us to maintain balance in our lives during difficult or stressful periods and can also protect us from the development of some mental health difficulties and issues.
Proven ways in increase your resilience:
- Build your connections: prioritize your relationships, join a group, network, find your tribe
- Find a purpose: help others, focus on your goals, look for pathways of progress
- Embrace healthy thoughts: keep things in perspective, keep a hopeful outlook, accept change, learn from your past
- Foster wellness: take care of your body – eat well, drink water, add movement to your day, meditate, feed your soul
Photo: ©iStock.com/Orla
