All of us are subject to trauma, adversity, and other stressors. Here are some tips to help you adapt to life’s changes and emerge stronger than ever before.
Imagine that you are going on a rafting trip down a river. Your map will show that there are unavoidable rapids or turns, as well as slow water and shallows. How can you ensure you are able to safely cross rough waters and deal with any unexpected challenges?
You might consider asking for the help of experienced rafters to plan your route or perhaps relying on the company of trusted friends. You might consider bringing an extra life jacket, or a stronger raft. One thing is certain: With the right tools and support, you will be able to overcome the river’s challenges. You will be a stronger and more courageous rafter.
Resilience.
Although life may not be mapped out, everyone will encounter twists and turns. These include everyday challenges, life-altering accidents, serious illnesses, and the death of a loved one. Every change brings with it a unique set of emotions, thoughts, and uncertainty. People adapt to stressful situations and life-changing changes easily, partly because they have resilience.
Psychologists define resilience to be the ability to adapt well in the face of trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress (such as serious health issues, family problems, financial problems, or work-related stressors) Resilience can be described as “bouncing back” after these painful experiences. However, it can also include profound personal growth.
These adverse events are like rough river water. However, they don’t have to dictate the outcome of your entire life. You have many things you can do to control, modify and grow in your life. This is the power of resilience. Being resilient helps you not only get through tough situations but also allows you to grow and improve your life.
YOU CAN ALSO READ Your hands can tell a lot about your health. These elements can trigger a migraine attack Resilience does not mean that one will never experience distress or difficulty. People who have experienced trauma or major adversity in their lives often experience emotional pain and stress. The road to resilience will likely involve significant emotional distress. Although certain traits may make someone more resilient than others depending on their environment, resilience is not a trait that can be attributed to only a few people. Resilience is a combination of thoughts, behaviors, and actions that can be learned and developed by anyone. Research has proven that resilience is not an exceptional trait. The response of many Americans and the efforts of individuals to rebuild their lives following the September 11th terrorist attacks is just one example. Building your resilience takes effort and time. You can overcome and learn from trauma and difficult situations by focusing on four core components: connection, wellness, healthy thinking, meaning. These strategies will help you increase your resilience to the storms and grow from them. CLICK NEXT TO CONTINUE READING Prioritize relationships it’s possible to find empathy and understanding people who can help you remember that you are not alone when you face difficulties. You can build resilience by focusing on the ability to find trustworthy, compassionate people who will validate your feelings. Some people can become isolated from their loved ones due to the trauma of traumatic events. However, it is important to seek out support and help from others who care. You can go on a weekly date with your spouse, or you can plan a lunch with a friend. But the most important thing is to truly connect with people who care about what you are going through. Join a group. Some people find that active participation in local civic groups, faith-based communities, or other organizations can provide social support. This can help them regain hope. Look for groups in your local area that can offer support, joy, and a sense of purpose. Take care of yourself. Although self-care is a trendy term, it’s a valid practice for building resilience and mental health. Stress is both physical and emotional. Positive lifestyle factors such as proper nutrition, adequate sleep, hydration, regular exercise, and regular exercise can help your body adapt to stress, which will reduce anxiety and depression. YOU CAN ALSO READ From underwear to coffee cups: 10 everyday objects reveal their hidden functions 7 signs of excessive sugar consumption Mindfulness is a practice. Meditation, mindfulness journaling, yoga, and other spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation can help people make connections and restore hope. This can be a great way to prepare for situations that may require resilience. You can journal, meditate, or even pray and reflect on the positive aspects of your life. This will help you to remember what you are grateful for, even in times of trial. Avoid negative outlets although it may seem tempting to cover up your pain with drugs or alcohol, this is like applying a bandage to a deep wound. Instead of trying to eradicate stress from your life, focus on giving your body the resources it needs to manage it. Help others. You can gain a sense of purpose and foster self-worth by volunteering at a local shelter. Or you can simply help a friend in need. All of these things can help you grow in resilience. Be proactive while it is important to recognize and accept your emotions in difficult times, is also helpful to foster self-discovery. Ask yourself: “What can you do to fix a problem in your life?” Break down the problem into smaller pieces if they seem too large to handle. You may have difficulty convincing your boss that you were wrong to be laid off. You can still spend an hour each morning developing your top talents or improving your resume. You can take initiative to remind yourself that even in stressful times, you can still find motivation and purpose. This will increase your chances of rising above the difficulties. Get on your way to your goals. You can set realistic goals and accomplish something every day, even if it’s a small achievement. This will help you move towards the things that you desire. Instead of focusing your attention on impossible tasks, ask yourself: “What is one thing that I can do today that will help me move in the direction that I want?” If you are dealing with grief and want to make a difference in your life, you might consider joining a grief support group. Find opportunities for self-discovery. Many people find that they have gained respect in the wake of difficult times. People report feeling stronger after suffering a tragedy or hardship. This can improve their self-worth and increase their appreciation of life. CLICK NEXT TO CONTINUE READING Keep your perspective. Your outlook on life and how resilient you can be when confronted with challenges will impact how you feel. You can identify areas where you are irrational, such as the tendency to see problems in a negative light or to assume that everything is going to be fine. Then, try to adopt a more realistic and balanced thinking style. If you feel overwhelmed by a problem, remember that it is not a sign of what your future holds and that you aren’t powerless. Although you may not be in a position to completely change the outcome of a stressful situation, you can modify how you respond and interpret it. Acceptance of change accepts that change is part of living. Some goals and ideals might not be possible due to adverse life circumstances. Accepting that certain circumstances cannot be changed can help to focus on the things you can change. Keep a positive outlook. When life isn’t going your way, it’s difficult to remain positive. A positive outlook can help you believe that positive things will happen. Instead of worrying about what you fear, visualize what you want. You will notice subtle changes in your feelings that help you feel better when you are dealing with difficult situations. Learn from your mistakes you may be able to find ways to respond effectively in new situations by looking back at what or who helped you during distress. You might find strength in past situations. Ask yourself what lessons you have learned. It is important to get help when you need it in order to build your resilience. Many people find that using their own resources, as well as the strategies described above, can be sufficient to build their resilience. Sometimes, however, people might find it difficult to make progress or get stuck on their path to resilience. A licensed psychologist can help people develop a strategy to move forward. If you feel unable to function or do basic daily activities because of a trauma or other stressful experience, it is important to seek professional help. Different people are more comfortable with different types of interaction. You should feel comfortable with your mental health professional or support group to get the best out of your therapeutic relationship. It doesn’t matter how difficult it is, remember that you are not alone in this journey. You may not be in control of all your circumstances but you can learn to manage the ones you can with the help of trusted professionals and loved ones. YOU CAN ALSO READWhat is resilience?
Connect with others
Encourage wellness
Find your purpose
Healthy thoughts are possible
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