We all go through problems like job loss, financial problems, illness, natural
disasters, medical emergencies, divorce, or the death of a loved one. Rather
than falling into misery or avoiding issues with unfortunate
adapting techniques, resilient individuals face life s challenges head-on.
This doesn t imply that they experience less pain, distress, or uneasiness
than others do. It implies that they
handle such troubles in a manner that encourages quality and development. Much
of the time, they may develop considerably more grounded than they were
previously.
The individuals who do not have this flexibility may rather become overpowered
by such encounters. They may harp on issues and utilize undesirable ways of
dealing with stress to manage life s difficulties. Disillusionment or
disappointment may drive
them to undesirable, ruinous, or even risky practices. These people are much
slower to recoup from misfortunes and may encounter increasing mental pain
accordingly.
Why is it important to build resilience?
In today s fast-paced and unpredictable world, building resilience has
become increasingly important. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back
from adversity, adapt to change, and recover quickly from setbacks. It is a
valuable trait that can help individuals navigate through challenges, both
personal and professional.
Building resilience is important for several reasons;-
Firstly, it allows us to better cope with stress and pressure. Life is full of
ups and downs, and having resilience enables
us to handle difficult situations with a positive mindset and maintain our
mental well-being.
Secondly, resilience helps us embrace change. In an ever-evolving world, being
able
to adapt quickly is crucial for personal growth and success. Resilient
individuals are more likely to view change as an opportunity rather than a
threat, allowing them to thrive in dynamic environments.
Furthermore, building resilience fosters stronger relationships and
connections with others. When we are resilient, we can effectively communicate
our needs and emotions, seek support when needed, and build a support network
that can help us through tough times.
Lastly, resilience plays a significant role in achieving long-term goals. It
provides the determination and perseverance necessary to overcome obstacles
along the way. With resilience as a guiding force, individuals are more likely
to stay committed to their
aspirations despite setbacks or failures.
Overall, building resilience is vital for navigating life s challenges
successfully. It empowers individuals to face adversity head-on while
maintaining their well-being, embracing change positively, fostering
meaningful relationships, and achieving their goals in the long run.
How resilience and mental health are related?
Resilience and mental health are closely interconnected, as one s ability to
cope with and overcome challenges can significantly impact their overall
well-being. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social
well-being. Resilience acts as a protective factor against the development of
mental health issues such as
anxiety
or depression. Conversely, poor mental health can hinder an individual
s ability to be resilient. Conditions such as chronic stress or untreated
mental illnesses can erode one s capacity to cope with adversity effectively.
This can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts and behaviours that further
exacerbate mental health challenges.
Recognizing the link between resilience and mental health highlights the
importance of prioritizing both aspects of our lives. By nurturing our
resilience skills through self-care practices and seeking support when
necessary, we can enhance our overall well-
being and better navigate life s challenges.
How to build resilience?
It is important to note that resilience is not synonymous with being
unaffected by difficulties; rather, it involves the ability to bounce back
from setbacks and learn from them. Building resilience requires cultivating
self-care practices, fostering supportive relationships, developing
problem-solving skills, and seeking professional help when needed.
Following are some of the ways that individuals can build resilience:
Build social support
Value relationships: Connecting with people can remind you
that you’re not alone in difficulties. Try finding trustworthy and
compassionate individuals who validate your feelings/ emotions. You may go on
a weekly date night with your spouse or plan a lunch out with a friend, and
try to genuinely connect with people who care about you.
Join a group: Based on the activities you like, you can join
a social group, a religious group, or an NGO. These groups provide social
support and give you a sense of purpose or joy that you need.
Inculcate Healthy Thoughts
Rational thoughts: Try to identify areas of irrational
thinking, such as a tendency to catastrophize difficulties or, and adopt a
more balanced and realistic thinking pattern. Remind yourself that you’re not
helpless. You may not be able to change an event, but
you can change how you perceive and respond to it.
Embrace change: Accept the fact that change is the only
constant thing in life. Certain goals may no longer be achievable or certain
bonds may not be the same as they used to be as a result of situations. Accept
and keep up with circumstances that
are beyond your control.
Be optimistic: It gets hard to be positive sometimes,
especially when things aren’t going your way. Try to visualize what you
desire, rather than worrying about your fear.
Learn from experience: By looking back at who or what was
helpful in the similar previous situation, you may find how to respond
effectively to the current situation. Past is the most valuable teacher.
Self Care
Avoid negative coping: Many youngsters say they usually smoke
because of stress. It might be tempting to mask your pain with alcohol, drugs
or other substances, but it’s like putting a small bandage on a deep wound.
Physical wellness: Self-care is not just a popular buzzword,
but also an essential
practice for building resilience. Promoting a healthy lifestyle like a
balanced
diet , ample sleep, hydration and regular work out can strengthen your body and
reduce the toll of emotions.
Mental wellness: Mindful journaling, yoga, and meditation can
also help people to restore hope. Activities like expressing gratitude,
writing forgiveness letters, and chanting positive affirmations can aid to
deal with stressful situations.
You can also get online counselling that will help your mental wellness.