7 Strategies for Building Resilience

Strategies for Building Resilience

The post is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.

Life is full of ups and downs, and our ability to navigate challenges with resilience can make all the difference. Resilience is a life skill that enables you to bounce back to whatever life throws your way, and it can help you thrive and adapt in the face of life’s many challenges.

In this article, we’re exploring what resilience is and why it matters. Then, we’ll share seven strategies for building more resilience so you’re ready to face life’s challenges head-on and adapt to the ebbs and flows of life.

What is Resilience? (And Why Does It Matter?)

Resilience is more than just bouncing back from difficult experiences. It’s about growing stronger and more capable due to those experiences. Resilience is similar to grit and strength, except it’s not just about powering through difficulties. It’s really more about transforming from them.

When we’re resilient, we can effectively cope with stress, overcome adversity, and maintain a sense of well-being even during challenging times. Resilience is an important skill because it’s what allows us to navigate the challenges in life instead of being overwhelmed by them.

For example, a person who’s resilient can take a setback, like losing their job, and adapt, learn, and grow from it to become a more skilled employee. Resilient people are more able to handle stress, maintain a positive outlook, and continue in the face of adversity. So, instead of getting stressed and shutting down when they lose their job, a resilient person would look at it as an opportunity to find a better job, hone their skills, or explore other interests. So, how do you become more resilient?

7 Strategies to Be More Resilient and Make Bouncing Back Easier

There’s no single path for building resilience. However, there are some tried-and-true strategies that are sure to help.

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions

One key strategy for building resilience is to acknowledge and accept your emotions. It’s essential to recognize that experiencing emotions, whether positive or negative, is a natural part of being human. By recognizing and validating your emotions, you can better understand and cope with them and become more resilient in the process.

2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

If you’ve spent any time on social media in the last few years, you’ve probably heard the term “growth mindset.” A growth mindset is the belief and certainty that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and dedication. Cultivating a growth mindset can help build resilience by reframing obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, resilient individuals view them as valuable learning experiences.

3. Develop Problem-Solving Skills

Being able to solve problems is essential for building resilience. When faced with challenges, resilient individuals can identify potential solutions, weigh their options, and take decisive action.

Developing problem-solving skills involves breaking down problems into manageable steps, seeking alternative solutions, and learning from past experiences. If you aren’t great at making decisions or solving problems, start finding ways to practice in low-stakes ways. For example, deciding where you want to eat or solving a problem without using the internet.

4. Find and Maintain a Support Network

Social support is important for building resilience. Having a support network of friends, family, and mentors can help provide encouragement and guidance during difficult times in your life. You may also benefit from a therapist who can work with you in an unbiased setting to help you reach your goals. Social media and online friends can also be helpful.

However, be wary of leaning too much on internet groups and online chat rooms. While finding support from strangers can provide some help, it’s much more beneficial to reach out to people you trust, like a therapist. For more information about finding the right support, check out this resource: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/chat/stranger-chat-vs-professional-online-counselor/

5. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is crucial for maintaining resilience and well-being. Taking care of your health can help replenish your energy reserves and build your capacity to cope with stress. Self-care activities may include exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, and doing hobbies that bring you joy.

6. Foster Adaptability

Adaptability is all about being able to adjust and thrive in challenging circumstances. Resilient individuals are flexible and open to new experiences, allowing them to navigate uncertainty with ease. Foster adaptability by embracing change, staying open-minded, and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.

7. Learn from Your Failures

Failure is a natural part of life, and resilient people understand that setbacks are growth opportunities. So, instead of dwelling on your mistakes or beating yourself up for them, try to learn from them and use them as stepping stones for future success. Embrace failures as a learning experience and focus on what you can do differently in the future.

Takeaway

Building resilience is an ongoing journey that requires practice, patience, and some self-reflection. By incorporating the strategies we shared in this article into your life, you can strengthen your ability to bounce back from tough times and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Remember that resilience is not about preventing adversity but about facing it head-on with courage, optimism, and determination. Resilience is a valuable skill that can help us deal with life’s ups and downs with grace.

Nicole Middleton
Nicole calls herself a typical millennial girl and thrives on her share of social media, celebrity gossip, and all things viral content. She’s a big fan of pop music and plays the guitar as a hobby.