Tips for Building Resilience

I recently came across an article that talked about some findings the American Psychological Association (APA) made when they asked a group of top psychologists to take a look at the evidence of the features associated with people who have or show great resilience.

Using the results, they have created a list of the top ten things you can do to build your resilience – the ability to deal with the peaks and troughs of life.

These are the things that resilient people do and that you can try to adopt in order to help you boost your own resilience. You can, of course, personalise these suggestions so that they work for you.

1. Accept that change is a part of living

Accepting the situations and circumstances that you cannot change can help you focus on the ones that you can. Also remember that there will be occasions when you may be unable to attain certain goals but that you can reach other goals instead.

2. Don't view crises as insurmountable

Highly stressful events will happen in your life, you can't change that, but what you can change is the way you interpret and respond to them. Try to look beyond the present situation and see how the future will be better. You may find it useful to note any ways in which you start to feel better in difficult situations so you can build upon them.

3. Make connections

Building good and close relationships with friends and family is important, as is accepting their help and support when you need it. This will help to strengthen your resilience and coping mechanisms. Being there for others when they are experiencing their own difficult times can also help you to become more resilient too.

4. Take decisive action

Take action when you're in a difficult situation, rather than detaching yourself from problems or stress. Acting on them and being decisive builds strength and resilience for the future.

5. Look at it as an opportunity for self-discovery

We often learn more about ourselves during difficult times that at any other time in our lives. There is a saying "you never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice" and it's very true. When my mum died everyone expected me to fall to pieces, but it was me who held everything together and I have certainly grown in a lot of respects as a result of that struggle with grief and loss. Many people, like me, feel that after a difficult time we emerge with a sense of strength even when we feel vulnerable, our relationships are stronger, we have a greater sense of self-worth, and an enhanced appreciation for life and gratitude for everything we have.

Look out for our next blog for 5 more tips on building resilience. If you'd like to learn more about our resilience workshop - Silver Linings - get in touch.

Building resilience