Resiliency and Wellness
Some people are able to cope in varying degrees when life’s challenges or major transitions inevitably happen. However, the ability to adapt well to stress, adversity or tragedy in life is referred to as “resilience,” a healthy coping mechanism. In order to remain stable and maintain healthy levels of psychological and physical functioning, you can develop resilience.
There are a number of ways to build resilience that promotes mental health and wellness. Consider the following steps:
1. Develop a positive attitude through a “positive self-talk” as you cultivate optimism. Maintain a positive outlook in life rather than dwell on the negatives. This contributes to feeling good about oneself. Simply, memorize a favorite “mantra” or quote that you can instill your mind and apply towards your day-to-day life.
2. Strengthen your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual awareness that enables you to engage in having a sound “mind, body and spirit.” When caught in an overwhelming situation, start journaling and engage with other forms of relaxation techniques such as prayer, meditation or yoga that may help to combat these negative stress-related concerns.
3. Develop an internal locus of control. More often than not, we tend to blame others for our failures or miseries. We allow ourselves to be controlled by circumstances or outside force. However, as we develop this sense of inner strength, we can change our views on things, and become responsible for our own lives and happiness.
4. Utilize protective factors such as family or strong networks of social support in your community that will likely influence you in the most positive ways of building resiliency and wellness.