Ways to Build Your Resilience

Resilience is something that helps us overcome difficult situations or unexpected changes that come our way. Your everyday strengths help to play a role in how resilient you are and how you handle situations. You might be a great listener, or maybe you speak up when something isn’t right. You might keep a cool head in an argument, or you can always find the silver lining in a negative situation. All of these positive attributes help us to cope with the stresses that we face. If you don’t feel particularly resilient, or you aren’t sure how to become more resilient, these tips might help.

There are everyday annoyances that can throw off even the most levelheaded individual. You can’t find your keys, you discover your car has a flat tire, or an appliance decides to stop working. These are all pretty irritating situations but ask yourself if these things will matter in five months or in five years. If your answer is “no”, don’t let it completely ruin your entire day.

Be grateful for the small things in life, not just to big things. If you struggle to find the good in the day or feel like you’re in a funk that you can’t shake, try being grateful for the smallest things. Taking a deep breath, drinking clean water, or the smell of coffee are all everyday things most of us take for granted. These small things are worthy of being grateful for just like the bigger “important” things.

You’ve probably heard the quote, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s important to not let the ideas or thoughts of other people cause you to spiral into feeling unworthy or that your life is not as exciting or special. Don’t give anyone the ability to lower your self-worth. The people that are bragging or boasting all the time are seeking outside approval or they may feel the need to make themselves feel better than others. Many times, the picture-perfect life they show to the world isn’t necessarily as flawless as it might seem. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your life is somehow less important just because you don’t drive a brand-new car, you aren’t going on fancy vacations, or moving into a big new house.

You probably have several people in your life that you admire. Maybe you have a friend who is outgoing and bold where you are quiet and reserved, or maybe you tend to be a pessimist and your best friend is a sunny blue-sky optimist. Try to spend quality time each week with someone who inspires you.

Be your authentic self and recognize that your feelings are valid. It’s okay to not be okay, and to have sad days or days when you just don’t feel like yourself. Everyone is struggling with something, whether you know about it or not. Relationships with friends and family can be difficult, and you may find yourself in a situation when someone says or does something hurtful. Be kind always, and practice forgiveness with yourself and others.