Resilience is a huge buzz word these days— but what even is it?
Resilience, in its most simple form, is your flexibility. It’s how well you stand back up after being knocked down— or how you weather stress. It’s no wonder that we’re hearing about it— well, everywhere. Here are some quick and easy tips to help you hone that critical ability.
- Join a class, group, or club. This may sound unrelated, but bear with me: belonging, or a sense of belonging, can improve your ability to brush yourself off and keep going. Think of joining the Boy Scouts, a sorority, or a faith organization. It’s not just the sense of belonging to a group, but the tangible support that those people might provide in times of need, that can buoy you when you’re feeling down.
-
Gratitude journaling. While writing in a diary may seem trite or cliché, this is more than just the scribbling you did as a kid. By documenting the things that you are grateful for, you not only get to enjoy that gratitude a second time, but the journal itself can serve as a repository of sunshine. Even better? It’s sunshine that you can pull out and enjoy any time.
-
Go outside. There’s a mountain of scientific research showing that time spent in nature is therapeutic and good for our mental and physical health. There are several components that usually go together when time is spent outside: natural light, exercise, and relaxation. Being outside automatically unplugs us (hopefully!) from our computers, televisions, and cell phones. Being unplugged allows our brains to rest from that constant stimulation, and instead spend time enjoying and reflecting. Exercise helps with sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, relaxation, and even your blood sugar. Most people are Vitamin D deficient, too, so a little bit of literal sunshine will help your mood with this essential nutrient.
- Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. If you don’t remember any of the other tricks in this article, remember to sleep. Sleep regularly, and sleep plentifully. If you can, you’ll be protecting your memory, your understanding, and even your immune system. It’s the most potent self-care tool in your kit. If you don’t believe me, watch this TED Talk by famous sleep researcher Dr. Matt Walker, called “Sleep is your super power.”
