Resilience is the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats and other significant sources of stress.
Resilience provides inner strength that helps individuals rebound form major setback or challenges such as a job loss, death of a loved one, pandemics etc.
Individuals who lack resilience usually dwell on issues, feel victimized, become easily overwhelmed, turn to unhealthy habits such as alcohol and substance abuse, overeating, undereating etc.
HOW TO BUILD MENTAL RESILIENCE
- Find purpose and meaning: do something that gives a sense of purpose and accomplishment, every day. Set goals to help you look forward to the future, celebrate accomplishments no matter how small.
- Put things in perspective: how we think can play a huge role in how we react when we are faced with challenges. It’s important to always ask ourselves, 1 day, 1 week, 1 year from now will this really matter. This can help to shape our perspective and our reactions when faced with certain situations.
- Practice Mindfulness: mindful journaling, yoga, prayer, meditation, are all practices that can help build connections and restore hope when faced with challenging situations.
- If you need help, ask for it: Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.
- Know your limits, ask for help when you need it.
- Build a strong support system: strong, positive and healthy relationships provide support in times of need.
- Practice Selfcare: positive lifestyle behaviours like good nutrition, ample sleep, regular exercise can strenghten the body and reduce the effects of stress on the body.
- Sleep Better; small problems seem very huge when mixed with tiredness and exhaustion. It’s important to maintain healthy sleeping habit, as this also helps to improve physical and mental health.