Resilience is the ability to bounce back from life’s difficulties…and it can mean the difference between handling pressures well or losing your cool. From our previous blog, research has shown that although some people may be naturally resilient, this emotional trait can actually be learned and developed.
Here are helpful techniques you can apply to build up your own resilience:
1- Believe in your abilities. Having confidence in your ability to go through it contributes to your resilience –both now and in the future. Pay attention to the negative things you tell yourself and switch it to: “I’m a great mother/friend/partner” or “I’m good at my job. I got this!”
2- Develop a strong social network. Having supportive, caring people around you serves as protective factor in times of crisis.
3- Find meaning in the hardship. Understanding the purpose of the crisis/tragedy plays an important role in your recovery.
4- Embrace change. Be more adaptable. Flexibility is a core element in resiliency. When feeling crushed by challenges, resilient people branch out in new directions, are able to adapt, and thrive.
5- Be optimistic. Highlight the positive. Knowing that we’re wired for negativity, intentionally train the brain to look for success. Don’t dwell on negativity, choose gratitude instead. Get more tips from Dr. Afridi’s discussion on emotional resilience during uncertain times.
6- Develop problem-solving skills. Come up with solutions and focus on what you can do in the face of adversity. Here’s motivational speaker Frederick Imbo’s take on how not to take things personally –an effective problem-solving strategy in coping with criticisms/stress.
7- Practice self-love. Even in the midst of trouble, don’t neglect your own needs. Still, make time for things that you enjoy.
8- Establish goals. View your situation in a realistic way and set reasonable goals (and manageable steps) to deal with the problem.
9- Do something. Waiting for the problem to go away will only prolong the crisis. Taking action, no matter how small, is empowering.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the problem/s you’re facing, don’t struggle too long as it may harm your mental and physical health. Reach out to a professional to guide you along in developing effective coping strategies. Talk to JarvisHypnotherapy, we’re here to help.
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