the power of resilience
"Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."
- Nelson Mandela
Do you ever wish that life came with a “pause” button?
We all have feelings of overwhelm and struggle at some point in our lives. But what if we could learn to be more resilient, so that when difficult times come along—as they inevitably do—we can find the strength to cope better, manage stress more effectively, and ultimately become stronger individuals?
Resilience is the capacity to cope with stress, adversity, and change. It's the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to new circumstances, and grow stronger in the process. Resilient individuals don't let setbacks define them; instead, they use these experiences as opportunities to learn and grow.
Here are 10 tips for building resilience:
1. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or scared during tough times. Recognising and accepting your emotions can help you cope with them in a healthy way.
2. MAKE SELF-CARE A PRIORITY
Resilience is easier to maintain when you’re physically and emotionally healthy. Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Also, take time for activities that make you happy and relaxed.
3. STAY CONNECTED
Spending time with loved ones, close friends, or others who care about you can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions. If you can’t be with people in person, stay connected virtually or by phone.
4. HELP OTHERS WHEN YOU CAN.
Doing things for others - such as volunteering, checking in on a neighbour, or offering a listening ear - can help you feel good about yourself and build resilience at the same time.
5. TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME.
Facing big challenges can be overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller pieces may make them feel more manageable - and increase your chances of success. Try focusing on what you can do today rather than worrying about tomorrow or the future.
6. FIND A SENSE OF PURPOSE.
When tough times hit, it can be helpful to remember what’s most important to you and what gives your life meaning. Focusing on your values and goals can help you stay motivated and hopeful.
7. BE FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE.
Change is a part of life - and being able to roll with it can help you build resilience. When things don’t go as planned, try to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
8. PRACTISE GRATITUDE.
Whenever possible, take time to appreciate the good things in your life - no matter how small they may seem. Gratitude has been linked with increased resilience, happiness, and well-being. So next time you’re feeling down, try making a list of things you’re grateful for. You might be surprised at how much better you feel.
9. REMEMBER THAT RESILIENCE IS NOT ABOUT PERFECTION.
Resilient people are not immune to challenges or pain - they just have the ability to bounce back from setbacks. So even if you have a bad day (or week), don’t give up! Everyone can build resilience - it’s just a matter of practice.
10. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF NEEDED.
If you’re struggling to cope with a difficult situation, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. A therapist or coach can provide support, guidance, and tools to help you build resilience.
Building resilience takes time, but it’s worth it. By cultivating resilience, we can develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in all aspects of our lives, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
