Have you ever read a story or an article about someone who suffered through something traumatic and was able to overcome it and emerge stronger and more confident on the other side? Have you ever thought about how you might respond to such an experience?
Life is filled with unexpected problems, challenges, and hard times. Although you can’t control the unpredictable issues that may come your way, you CAN control how you react, regroup, and recover. That ability to deal with life’s difficulties and bounce back is called resilience.
Although some people may naturally seem more resilient than others, it’s not something you’re necessarily born with. You can work on your resilience to become more capable of dealing with difficult experiences and learn to grow stronger in the face of adversity. Here’s how:
Build and maintain relationships.
Staying connected to loved ones and friends provides important support and guidance in times of trouble. If you don’t already have a close-knit crew, consider joining a faith or social group with folks who share similar values.
Take care of yourself.
Focus on both your physical and emotional needs. Try to eat healthy. Get enough sleep and regular exercise. Take time to enjoy activities.
Stay optimistic.
Maintaining a hopeful outlook, even during times of trouble, can help build resilience. Remind yourself that whatever you’re going through will eventually pass.
Embrace change.
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the phrase, “The only constant in life is change.” Accepting that things will not stay the same forever can help you deal with life changes, especially ones that feel challenging.
Find purpose.
Empower yourself by finding ways to help others, creating goals to meet, and working continuously to achieve what you want in life.
Learn from the past.
Everything in life can be seen as a learning experience from which to grow. Everyone makes mistakes, but learning from them and moving on, instead of dwelling, can help you build resilience for the next challenge.
Don’t get overwhelmed.
Maintaining a healthy perspective on problems can help stop feelings of helplessness. Remember that no one experience or decision will determine your entire future.
Be proactive.
Dwelling on problems or worrying doesn’t help solve them. Break down issues that feel unmanageable into smaller pieces to tackle. Think about small steps you can do today to inch closer to your goals.
Avoid substances that can make things worse.
Alcohol and drugs can make you feel better in times of trouble, but it’s a short-term fix, not a real solution. Learning to manage stress and discomfort rather than covering it up helps build resilience.
Find more support if you need it.
You will not get a trophy for doing it all alone. Reaching out for help can give you support you can use to feel better.
Building resilience looks different for everyone, and it doesn’t happen overnight. First, incorporate the tips you feel comfortable with, then work your way through trying more. Be kind to yourself — it’s a journey, not a destination — and celebrate small wins along the way.
Remember, you’re not alone. Working with a licensed professional to set you on the right path can be a critical piece of your unique mental health journey.
MindGlow Health offers talk therapy and psychiatry through online appointments with licensed providers who are experienced and passionate about what they do. The company was built on the foundation of a well-established behavioral health organization, where thousands of people nationwide have sought care for their mental health concerns.
Learn more about our convenient, secure, trusted services today and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.
