Staying resilient is like keeping fit, and just as much people feel better when they are being physically active, life challenges will be less formidable when we learn to practice resiliency. As we continue to feel the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, resilience is one personality trait that can help us keep going.
Here are some tips for bouncing back from challenges you may face at work or at home:
- Find a sense of purpose: Resilient people have a passion or purpose that nourishes and sustains them. For a lot of us, that passion is helping our colleagues, clients and our community. Take the time to identify what activities bring you a sense of fulfillment and personal satisfaction.
- Have a positive outlook and practice gratitude: Thoughts such as “this situation is terrible, and I can’t do anything about it” can wear down your resilience. When we turn negative thoughts into positive action we start to feel better. Plan something for your day today that you can look forward to such as going for a walk outdoors or cooking a meal that you enjoy.
- Help others, and learn to accept help from others: Asking for help can very difficult for us and many of us don’t ask for help when we need it. Paying attention to what you need and asking for help are signs of resourcefulness and strength, not weakness.
- Take care of yourself: You can’t be resilient if you don’t take care of yourself. If you are physically exhausted or overextended emotionally, it is even harder to bounce back and get through a difficult time. Take care of yourself by eating a balanced diet, drinking water, limiting caffeine and alcohol and making efforts to get exercise.
If you are interested in learning more about resiliency and engaging in self-directed learning, visit our EAP Care Now Programs for self-guided learning modules on coping, anxiety and stress.
(If you haven’t already signed up for the LifeWorks EAP Portal – free for you to use – visit https://circle-of-care.lifeworks.com/signup?code=5F80BE240E2617BA2432B5C2 .)