Resilience

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

In Time magazine's June 1, 2015 issue, “The Science of Bouncing Back,” Mandy Oaklander explores strategies for resilience. Oaklander reveals that while traumatic stressors can have a devastating impact on our health, “countless smaller stresses take a toll” on our bodies.

Resilience is defined as "the capacity to adapt successfully to challenges." The small things rather than the larger issues of life can bring us down. One resilience researcher feels the way we cope with little stressors strongly predicts how we’ll do when big stressors hit. 



Coping results the small choices we make, rather than our personality traits.

Oaklander presents “Expert Tips for Resilience” as 10 ways to train brains and bodies to cope and bounce back. 

1.   Tap into your core (unshakable) beliefs.

2.   Use each stressor as an opportunity to learn.

3.   Do what you can to remain positive.

4.   Learn from a resilient mentor or coach.

5.   Don’t run away—confront those things that scare you.

6.   Look for and reach out to your support network in   difficult times.

7.   Keep your brain active and learn new things as often as you can.

8.   Exercise regularly.

9.   Live in the present—don’t dwell in the past.

10.  What trait, characteristic, skill or talent makes you the strong person   you are? Own it and give yourself credit for this strength.


Take time to ask yourself questions about your level of resilience. 




How do choices help you fit into the points above? Which cause the most challenge?




What resilience plan do you have for the coming week?