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Resilience refers to how well you can deal with and bounce back from the difficulties of life.It can mean the difference between handling pressure and losing your cool.Resilient peopletend to maintain a more positive outlook and cope with stress more effectively.
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Find a Sense of Purpose
Examples of purposes include:
In the face of emotional hardship—such as thedeath of a loved oneor theend of a relationship—finding a sense of purpose can be especially important in your recovery. This might mean becoming involved in your community,cultivating your spirituality, or participating in activities that are meaningful to you.
2
Believe in Your Abilities
Having confidence in your own ability to cope with the stresses of life can play an important part in resilience. Becoming more confident in your own abilities, including your ability to respond to and deal with acrisis, is a great way to build resilience for the future.
Research has demonstrated that yourself-esteemplays an important role in coping with stress and recovering from difficult events.Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.
3Develop a Strong Social NetworkIt’s important to havepeople you can confide in. Having caring, supportive people around you acts as a protective factor during times of crisis. While simply talking about a situation with a friend or loved one won’t make your troubles go away, it allows you to share your feelings, get support, receive positive feedback, and come up with possible solutions to your problems.How Social Support Contributes to Psychological Health
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Develop a Strong Social NetworkIt’s important to havepeople you can confide in. Having caring, supportive people around you acts as a protective factor during times of crisis. While simply talking about a situation with a friend or loved one won’t make your troubles go away, it allows you to share your feelings, get support, receive positive feedback, and come up with possible solutions to your problems.How Social Support Contributes to Psychological Health
Develop a Strong Social Network
It’s important to havepeople you can confide in. Having caring, supportive people around you acts as a protective factor during times of crisis. While simply talking about a situation with a friend or loved one won’t make your troubles go away, it allows you to share your feelings, get support, receive positive feedback, and come up with possible solutions to your problems.
How Social Support Contributes to Psychological Health
4
Embrace Change
How to Handle Stressful Situations
5Be OptimisticStaying optimistic during dark periods can be difficult, but maintaining a hopeful outlook is an important part of resiliency. What you are dealing with may be difficult, but it’s important to remain hopeful and positive about a brighter future.Positive thinkingdoes not mean ignoring the problem in order to focus on positive outcomes. It means understanding that setbacks are temporary and that you have the skills and abilities to combat the challenges you face.The Many Benefits of Optimism
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Be OptimisticStaying optimistic during dark periods can be difficult, but maintaining a hopeful outlook is an important part of resiliency. What you are dealing with may be difficult, but it’s important to remain hopeful and positive about a brighter future.Positive thinkingdoes not mean ignoring the problem in order to focus on positive outcomes. It means understanding that setbacks are temporary and that you have the skills and abilities to combat the challenges you face.The Many Benefits of Optimism
Be Optimistic
Staying optimistic during dark periods can be difficult, but maintaining a hopeful outlook is an important part of resiliency. What you are dealing with may be difficult, but it’s important to remain hopeful and positive about a brighter future.
Positive thinkingdoes not mean ignoring the problem in order to focus on positive outcomes. It means understanding that setbacks are temporary and that you have the skills and abilities to combat the challenges you face.
The Many Benefits of Optimism
6Nurture YourselfWhen you’re stressed, it can be all too easy to neglect your own needs. Losing your appetite, ignoring exercise, and not getting enough sleep are allcommon reactions to a crisis situation.Instead, focus on building your self-nurturance skills, even when you’re troubled. Make time for activities that you enjoy.By taking care of your own needs, you can boost your overall health and resilience and be fully ready to face life’s challenges.Self-Care Practices for Daily Life
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Nurture YourselfWhen you’re stressed, it can be all too easy to neglect your own needs. Losing your appetite, ignoring exercise, and not getting enough sleep are allcommon reactions to a crisis situation.Instead, focus on building your self-nurturance skills, even when you’re troubled. Make time for activities that you enjoy.By taking care of your own needs, you can boost your overall health and resilience and be fully ready to face life’s challenges.Self-Care Practices for Daily Life
Nurture Yourself
When you’re stressed, it can be all too easy to neglect your own needs. Losing your appetite, ignoring exercise, and not getting enough sleep are allcommon reactions to a crisis situation.Instead, focus on building your self-nurturance skills, even when you’re troubled. Make time for activities that you enjoy.
By taking care of your own needs, you can boost your overall health and resilience and be fully ready to face life’s challenges.
Self-Care Practices for Daily Life
7Develop Problem-Solving SkillsResearch suggests that people who are able to come up with solutions to a problem tend to cope more productively with stress compared to those who cannot find solutions to problems.Whenever you encounter a new challenge, make a quick list of some of the potential ways you could solve the problem.Experiment with different strategies and focus on developing a logical way to work through common problems. By practicing yourproblem-solving skillson a regular basis, you will be better prepared to cope when a serious challenge emerges.Using Problem-Solving Strategies to Find Solutions
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Develop Problem-Solving SkillsResearch suggests that people who are able to come up with solutions to a problem tend to cope more productively with stress compared to those who cannot find solutions to problems.Whenever you encounter a new challenge, make a quick list of some of the potential ways you could solve the problem.Experiment with different strategies and focus on developing a logical way to work through common problems. By practicing yourproblem-solving skillson a regular basis, you will be better prepared to cope when a serious challenge emerges.Using Problem-Solving Strategies to Find Solutions
Develop Problem-Solving Skills
Research suggests that people who are able to come up with solutions to a problem tend to cope more productively with stress compared to those who cannot find solutions to problems.Whenever you encounter a new challenge, make a quick list of some of the potential ways you could solve the problem.
Experiment with different strategies and focus on developing a logical way to work through common problems. By practicing yourproblem-solving skillson a regular basis, you will be better prepared to cope when a serious challenge emerges.
Using Problem-Solving Strategies to Find Solutions
8
Establish Goals
Crisis situations are daunting. They may even seem insurmountable. Resilient people are able to view these situations in a realistic way and then set reasonable goals to deal with the problem.
How to Set and Manage Goals
9
Take Action
Simply waiting for a problem to go away on its own only prolongs the crisis. Instead, start working on resolving the issue immediately. While there may not be any fast or simple solution, you can take steps toward making your situation better and less stressful.
Actively working on solutions will also help you feel more in control. Rather than just waiting for things to happen, being proactive allows you to help make your goals a reality.
10Keep Working on Your SkillsResilience may take time to build, so don’t get discouraged if you still struggle to cope with problematic events. Everyone can learn to be resilient and it doesn’t involve any specific set of behaviors or actions. Resilience can vary dramatically from one person to the next.Focus on practicing these skills, as well as the common characteristics of resilient people, but also remember to build on your existing strengths.How to Bounce Back After Tough Times
10
Keep Working on Your SkillsResilience may take time to build, so don’t get discouraged if you still struggle to cope with problematic events. Everyone can learn to be resilient and it doesn’t involve any specific set of behaviors or actions. Resilience can vary dramatically from one person to the next.Focus on practicing these skills, as well as the common characteristics of resilient people, but also remember to build on your existing strengths.How to Bounce Back After Tough Times
Keep Working on Your Skills
Resilience may take time to build, so don’t get discouraged if you still struggle to cope with problematic events. Everyone can learn to be resilient and it doesn’t involve any specific set of behaviors or actions. Resilience can vary dramatically from one person to the next.
Focus on practicing these skills, as well as the common characteristics of resilient people, but also remember to build on your existing strengths.
How to Bounce Back After Tough Times
9 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Resilience.Ronen T.The role of coping skills for developing resilience among children and adolescents.The Palgrave Handbook of Positive Education.2021:345-368. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-64537-3_14Schaefer SM, Morozink Boylan J, van Reekum CM, et al.Purpose in life predicts better emotional recovery from negative stimuli.PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e80329. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080329Wågan FA, Darvik MD, Pedersen AV.Associations between self-esteem, psychological stress, and the risk of exercise dependence.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(11):5577. doi:10.3390/ijerph18115577Scheuplein M, van Harmelen AL.The importance of friendships in reducing brain responses to stress in adolescents exposed to childhood adversity: a preregistered systematic review.Current Opinion in Psychology.2022;45:101310. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101310Guerrini Usubini A, Varallo G, Granese V, et al.The impact of psychological flexibility on psychological well-being in adults with obesity.Front Psychol.2021;12. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.636933Narasimhan M, Allotey P, Hardon A.Self care interventions to advance health and wellbeing: a conceptual framework to inform normative guidance. BMJ.2019:l688. doi:10.1136/bmj.l688Tan CS, Tan SA, Mohd Hashim IH, et al.Problem-solving ability and stress mediate the relationship between creativity and happiness.Creativity Research Journal.2019;31(1):15-25. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1568155Wolsink I, Den Hartog DD, Belschak FD, Oosterwijk S.Do you feel like being proactive today? Trait-proactivity moderates affective causes and consequences of proactive behavior.PLoS One. 2019;14(8):e0220172. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0220172Additional ReadingAmerican Psychological Association (APA).The road to resilience.Anderson L. Alcohol Abuse. In:Deviance: Social Constructions and Blurred Boundaries. Oakland, CA: University of California Press; 2017: 267.
9 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Resilience.Ronen T.The role of coping skills for developing resilience among children and adolescents.The Palgrave Handbook of Positive Education.2021:345-368. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-64537-3_14Schaefer SM, Morozink Boylan J, van Reekum CM, et al.Purpose in life predicts better emotional recovery from negative stimuli.PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e80329. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080329Wågan FA, Darvik MD, Pedersen AV.Associations between self-esteem, psychological stress, and the risk of exercise dependence.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(11):5577. doi:10.3390/ijerph18115577Scheuplein M, van Harmelen AL.The importance of friendships in reducing brain responses to stress in adolescents exposed to childhood adversity: a preregistered systematic review.Current Opinion in Psychology.2022;45:101310. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101310Guerrini Usubini A, Varallo G, Granese V, et al.The impact of psychological flexibility on psychological well-being in adults with obesity.Front Psychol.2021;12. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.636933Narasimhan M, Allotey P, Hardon A.Self care interventions to advance health and wellbeing: a conceptual framework to inform normative guidance. BMJ.2019:l688. doi:10.1136/bmj.l688Tan CS, Tan SA, Mohd Hashim IH, et al.Problem-solving ability and stress mediate the relationship between creativity and happiness.Creativity Research Journal.2019;31(1):15-25. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1568155Wolsink I, Den Hartog DD, Belschak FD, Oosterwijk S.Do you feel like being proactive today? Trait-proactivity moderates affective causes and consequences of proactive behavior.PLoS One. 2019;14(8):e0220172. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0220172Additional ReadingAmerican Psychological Association (APA).The road to resilience.Anderson L. Alcohol Abuse. In:Deviance: Social Constructions and Blurred Boundaries. Oakland, CA: University of California Press; 2017: 267.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Resilience.Ronen T.The role of coping skills for developing resilience among children and adolescents.The Palgrave Handbook of Positive Education.2021:345-368. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-64537-3_14Schaefer SM, Morozink Boylan J, van Reekum CM, et al.Purpose in life predicts better emotional recovery from negative stimuli.PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e80329. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080329Wågan FA, Darvik MD, Pedersen AV.Associations between self-esteem, psychological stress, and the risk of exercise dependence.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(11):5577. doi:10.3390/ijerph18115577Scheuplein M, van Harmelen AL.The importance of friendships in reducing brain responses to stress in adolescents exposed to childhood adversity: a preregistered systematic review.Current Opinion in Psychology.2022;45:101310. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101310Guerrini Usubini A, Varallo G, Granese V, et al.The impact of psychological flexibility on psychological well-being in adults with obesity.Front Psychol.2021;12. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.636933Narasimhan M, Allotey P, Hardon A.Self care interventions to advance health and wellbeing: a conceptual framework to inform normative guidance. BMJ.2019:l688. doi:10.1136/bmj.l688Tan CS, Tan SA, Mohd Hashim IH, et al.Problem-solving ability and stress mediate the relationship between creativity and happiness.Creativity Research Journal.2019;31(1):15-25. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1568155Wolsink I, Den Hartog DD, Belschak FD, Oosterwijk S.Do you feel like being proactive today? Trait-proactivity moderates affective causes and consequences of proactive behavior.PLoS One. 2019;14(8):e0220172. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0220172
American Psychological Association.Resilience.
Ronen T.The role of coping skills for developing resilience among children and adolescents.The Palgrave Handbook of Positive Education.2021:345-368. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-64537-3_14
Schaefer SM, Morozink Boylan J, van Reekum CM, et al.Purpose in life predicts better emotional recovery from negative stimuli.PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e80329. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0080329
Wågan FA, Darvik MD, Pedersen AV.Associations between self-esteem, psychological stress, and the risk of exercise dependence.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(11):5577. doi:10.3390/ijerph18115577
Scheuplein M, van Harmelen AL.The importance of friendships in reducing brain responses to stress in adolescents exposed to childhood adversity: a preregistered systematic review.Current Opinion in Psychology.2022;45:101310. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101310
Guerrini Usubini A, Varallo G, Granese V, et al.The impact of psychological flexibility on psychological well-being in adults with obesity.Front Psychol.2021;12. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.636933
Narasimhan M, Allotey P, Hardon A.Self care interventions to advance health and wellbeing: a conceptual framework to inform normative guidance. BMJ.2019:l688. doi:10.1136/bmj.l688
Tan CS, Tan SA, Mohd Hashim IH, et al.Problem-solving ability and stress mediate the relationship between creativity and happiness.Creativity Research Journal.2019;31(1):15-25. doi:10.1080/10400419.2019.1568155
Wolsink I, Den Hartog DD, Belschak FD, Oosterwijk S.Do you feel like being proactive today? Trait-proactivity moderates affective causes and consequences of proactive behavior.PLoS One. 2019;14(8):e0220172. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0220172
American Psychological Association (APA).The road to resilience.Anderson L. Alcohol Abuse. In:Deviance: Social Constructions and Blurred Boundaries. Oakland, CA: University of California Press; 2017: 267.
American Psychological Association (APA).The road to resilience.
Anderson L. Alcohol Abuse. In:Deviance: Social Constructions and Blurred Boundaries. Oakland, CA: University of California Press; 2017: 267.
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