Research has shown that while some people seem to come by resilience naturally, these behaviors can also be learned. Whether you’re going through a tough time now or you want to be prepared for future challenges, you can build resilience by:
Finding purposeBelieving in yourselfDeveloping a social networkEmbracing changeBeing optimisticNurturing yourselfDeveloping problem-solving skillsEstablishing goalsTaking actionCommitting to building skills over time
Examples of purposes include:
Building a support system of loved onesGiving a voice to a social movementLeading a healthy lifestyleLearning about different culturesMaking art or musicServing your community
In the face of emotional hardship—such as the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship—finding a sense of purpose can be especially important in your recovery. This might mean becoming involved in your community, cultivating your spirituality, or participating in activities that are meaningful to you. Listen for negative comments in your head. When you hear them, practice immediately replacing them with positive ones, such as, “I can do this,” “I’m a great friend/mother/partner,” or “I’m good at my job.” Positive thinking does not mean ignoring the problem in order to focus on positive outcomes. It means understanding that setbacks are temporary and that you have the skills and abilities to combat the challenges you face. Experiment with different strategies and focus on developing a logical way to work through common problems. By practicing your problem-solving skills on a regular basis, you will be better prepared to cope when a serious challenge emerges. When you find yourself becoming overwhelmed by a situation, take a step back to simply assess what is before you. Brainstorm possible solutions, and then break them down into manageable steps. Focus on the progress that you have made thus far and planning your next steps, rather than becoming discouraged by the amount of work that still needs to be accomplished. Focus on practicing these skills, as well as the common characteristics of resilient people, but also remember to build on your existing strengths. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts
