Psychologists define resilience as the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, tragedy, stress and trauma. Our day to day activities include so many stressors including work, family, children, illnesses, death of a loved one and financial strain. Each change affects individuals differently, causing many of us strong emotions or uncertainty. People can generally adapt, though, thanks to resilience!
Being resilient does not mean that a person won't experience any stress or difficulty at all. The road to resilience often does include emotional distress, the ability to learn how to navigate adversity is the process of building resilience. (American Psychological Association)
Healing from trauma is a very personal journey. We all travel at our own pace, on our own time, and with the support that we feel is best for us. It is essential to explore and adopt coping strategies that suit your individual needs and circumstances. As we build resilience, it becomes not only easier to cope with life's challenges, but also bounce back from adversity in our everyday lives.

Resilience is something that develops over time, it changes just like we do on our healing journey. Practicing these strategies consistently will become more manageable over time.
Practicing setting boundaries is an effective coping strategy for many individuals. When we set boundaries, we protect ourselves physically, emotionally and psychologically. Learning to say "no" doesn't mean that we are a bad person or doing a bad thing - it's necessary to preserve ourselves. You can still love someone while setting boundaries, we are simply putting space between us and someone else that might be causing us discomfort or stress. In any relationship, your physical and emotional well being is a top priority, setting boundaries is just one tool you can use in order to ensure you are putting yourself first.
Self-care is another tool you can use to cope better. In order to ensure we are thriving both physically and emotionally, our body needs to be fed. This will look different for everyone. You might only need 6 hours of sleep while your partner might need 8 in order to feel good and function adequately. With the proper nutrition, exercise and sleep, we can ensure that we are showing up as our best selves. Some activities that can be characterized as self-care include taking a nap, going for a walk, painting, getting a massage, playing with a pet, or having coffee with a friend, the list is end list.
When you speak to yourself, what does that sound like? Do you speak to yourself kindly? Cultivating positive self-talk not only boosts our confidence, but reduces our stress levels. It also promotes a sense of self control and resilience in the face of adversity. When we build resilience, setbacks become temporary and obstacles become surmountable.
Helping others can empower you to grow in resilience as well. By helping others, we find a greater purpose for ourselves. We foster our self-worth when connecting with other people, improving our own morale.
Learning from adversity helps us view setbacks as only temporary. We can reflect on the setbacks, versus being paralyzed by our non-resilient counterparts. There are truly a plethora of coping strategies that exist and each of us need to find what works for us. Finding a supportive routine can play a large role in our resilience, what are some strategies that have worked for you?
Seeking a professional is beneficial because it offers a dedicated space for self-exploration, healing, and personal growth. Individuals gain invaluable insights into their own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to enhanced self awareness and self acceptance. Professionals provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can freely express their fears and concerns. This typically leads to improved mental health, more effective coping strategies, and the development of healthier relationships.
How do you envision your path to self-healing? Creating a roadmap for personal growth and inner peace can lead to a more balanced life. ~ Namaste
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