When we’re stressed, it’s not uncommon to feel like we’re not strong enough to recover. Some people call this ability to recover from stressful, even scary situations, “resilience”. Resilience is not something we are born with, it involves “behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone” (American Psychological Association). Resilience isn’t about “toughing it out” or “going it alone”. In fact, being able to reach out to others for support is a big part of being resilient (The Mayo Clinic).
Here are some web-based resources we’ve found that give further information on resilience and how you can build it.
Why is Resilience Important?– Mind Tools
How we view challenges and handle stress affects how we ensure a successful and happy life. This is one of the most important reasons for learning how to build resilience.
How We Think and Act Can Increase Resilience– Psychology Today
How we handle difficult situations in our lives is partly learned as children. However, there are a number of strategies that we can teach ourselves that will add strength to our ability to overcome life challenges.
The Road to Resilience– American Psychological Association
How do we deal with difficult events that change our lives? Building resilience and meeting life challenges is a journey that takes time and may include roadblocks. Anticipating those roadblocks can help us to plan for ways to overcome them.
Quick Tips for Building Resilience – Very Well
Finding a purpose in your life, and remaining optimistic are just two of the 10 ways we might focus on to become more resilient.
Resilient Children– Centre on the Developing Child – Harvard University
Why are some children more resilient than others? Check out this video on the importance of building resilience in children.
When to Get Help?– The Mayo Clinic
Besides taking care of ourselves and learning from experience what are the other ways in which we might build resilience? Sometimes we can’t do this by ourselves, but what are the signs that it’s time to get help?