What is Resilience?
Resilience is a psychological and characterological attribute that insulates and protects people from the hardships and traumas of life so they can remain functional. Even resilient people still experience emotional distress and pain from difficult life challenges. Despite this, they find ways to process and heal and move forward with their life goals and ambitions without feeling defeated and giving up. They also use these tragedies to grow and improve themselves.
What Generates Resilience?
There are a variety of protective factors that make people more resilient. There are some studies that show some people are simply genetically predisposed to being more resilient. Intelligence is another factor that seems to protect people as they may be able to conceptualize and work through life’s trials. Attractiveness is valued in our society and often affords these people more opportunities and support, making it another protective factor. Also having a supportive caregiver in your life can make you more resilient. This could be a parent, aunt, mentor, or peer. Many of the variables mentioned so far may be out of a person’s control, but there are also factors that promote resilience that we can more directly influence.
Learning to regulate and process emotions effectively helps with resilience as these people are able to work through difficult events emotionally rather that get overwhelmed by them. Feeling optimistic and having a positive attitude also facilitates resiliency. People who see hardships and adversity as ways to learn, grow, and make changes for the future also tend to be more resilient. These are qualities and factors that people can control and cultivate to enhance personal resilience.
Strategies for Becoming More Resilient
There are some additional things you can do to help build your resilience. Simple things like getting quality sleep, a healthy diet, and exercise all help to reduce stress which in turn can boost resilience. Developing and maintaining a solid support system can cushion you when tides turn and you are faced with difficult times. Adhering to your morals and values has been shown to enhance resilience. Having hobbies and activities to engage in for self-care and to replenish your reserves is another way to build resilience. Avoiding negative outlets, being mindful and proactive, and keeping stressors from accumulating all keep people more functional and resilient. Focus on what you can control and strive toward acceptance of those things you cannot control. Also try to learn from your past and your mistakes. These are just some of the ways you can be more resilient in life.
Maple Grove Psychiatrists
If you are interested in working through difficulties and nurturing resilience, feel free to contact IPC so you can schedule a consultation with one of our psychologists or psychiatrists so we can help discuss treatment options. Please call us now at 763-416-4167, or request an appointment on our website: WWW.IPC-MN.COM so we can sit down with you and complete a thorough assessment and help you develop a plan of action that will work for you. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find the peace of mind you deserve.
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