How do you deal with stress, pressure and challenge? 

Resilience is a measure of our ability to adapt and move forward after hardship or significant stress. Resilience is adapting in ways that are flexible mentally, emotionally and behaviourally. Whilst adverse life experiences can lead to a range of negative physical and psychological health outcomes (e.g. more risk of illness and disease, higher rates of anxiety and depression), people with high levels of resilience don't show the same negative outcomes.

Here are 4 components to fostering resilience:

1. Optimism

People with higher levels of resilience demonstrate a more optimistic mindset. They take time to process their emotions, and rather than viewing setbacks as failures, they acknowledge setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.

Building resilience entails developing helpful coping strategies to manage overwhelming emotions such as practising healthy habits for the body and mind (e.g. exercise, diet, mindfulness) and connecting with others.

2. Self-compassion

More resilient people view setbacks or mistakes with more self-compassion and kindness. The next time something doesn't go as planned, notice how you feel about yourself and speak to yourself.

3. Emotion regulation

Emotion regulation skills help us remain or regain a sense of calm when we feel overwhelmed.

Emotion regulation can be strengthened by maintaining healthy habits, such as regular exercise, deep breathing and mindful exercises, journaling about difficult emotions and seeing a mental health professional.

4. Support from others

An important predictor of resilience is quality support and connection. Research shows that when people experience adversity or negative life experiences, having support is an important predictor of greater resilience. Thus, seeking support and nurturing your close relationships is important to health, wellbeing, and continued resilience. 

“My dark days made me stronger. Or maybe I already was strong, and they made me prove it.” — Emery Lord