I get it – life is anything but easy. Stress, adversity, tragic events, and negativity get the best of you. Sometimes it may feel as if the world is swallowing you whole, with one setback after another punching you in the gut. But let me ask you this – how well are you taking those punches? Are you bouncing back from adversity? Or are you letting it sink you deeper. This is where your secret weapon comes into play: resilience. Resilience is defined as how well one copes with adversity. It’s an individual’s ability to persevere, adapt, and keep moving forward when life goes haywire. Research indicates that resilient individuals are happier, healthier, more successful, and less prone to depression. But how do you add this secret weapon to your tool belt for life?
1. Build Healthy Relationships
The more social support you foster from your friends and family, the more resilient you can be in stress scenarios. They should support you in times of need, help you work through problems, and just be there. Make connections with those around you. And don’t forget to offer your social support in return.
2. See challenges as Opportunities, Not Problems
Perception is everything. How you view your setbacks may determine their outcomes, and what you learn in return. Accept the fact that stressful event are a normal part of life you can not change. What you can change, however, is how you interpret and respond to those stressful events. Step back and see the big picture.
3. Set Goals
Don’t just meander through life without something to work towards. Set realistic goals and actively take steps toward that goal, no matter how small. We at GUADS are huge fans of goal-setting, but especially SMART goal setting: try to create goals that are Sustainable, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound (be as specific as you can!)
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Attend to your needs and feelings. If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, engage in activities that subdue and buffer the anxiety. You also want to acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments. Self-esteem can play a huge role in stress management and bouncing back from difficulties. When you hear yourself thinking negative thoughts, push them away. Replace them with positive ones that reflect your strengths.
5. Be a Problem Solver
Coming up with solutions to problems is a key component of resilience. Instead of dwelling and ruminating on an issue – fix it. Face challenges by making a list of potential ways to solve it. Focus on coming up with a logical, or even creative, way to tackle issues. Show the world who’s boss.
Written by GUADS staff member Angelina and edited by GUADS staff member Kate with contributions from researchgate.com, apa.org, and verywellmind.org
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