Resiliency is being able to go through a tough or even
devastating experience and recover from it. The recovery is both
mental/emotional and physical. Making it through a challenging experience creates
a positive expectation of being able to handle other situations which may
arise. Regularly attending to personal mental and physical health helps to
build resiliency.
Mentally:
Moderate thoughts so that they are realistic and not exaggerating
the problem.
Noticing what can be learned or gained from an experience,
even a painful one, increases the ability to manage it.
Gaining strength from the experience increases a sense of
purpose and wisdom.
Stay in the moment without making it worse by bringing in
past negative experiences or adding on future worries. Accept the way it is
without judgement and labeling. Face it. Make a plan for getting through it.
Being positive isn’t simply thinking happy thoughts. It is
more about faith that one is capable of making it and realistically managing
the current situation.
Physically:
Aerobic exercise has been shown to increase dopamine and
serotonin in the brain which helps to elevate mood. Exercise also helps to
counteract the stress hormone cortisol. The saying, “sweat it out” is good
advice.
The aspect of competing against oneself during exercise and
in physical activities helps to build resilience. Gradually asking more of
yourself than what you did before is a healthy challenge which leads to
improved confidence and awareness of ability. Going a little further, adding on
time, increasing the difficulty all improve physical health and one’s
appreciation of personal progress and strength - both physical and mental.
Making a point of regularly practicing healthy mental and
physical habits will help you to be prepared for those significant difficult
times that life presents.
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