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Adversity and stress are part of life. We can't avoid them, but we can learn how to seize the wheel and steer through them. Research, as well as common sense, tells us that what we do and the attitude we take will determine how resilient we are. Here are 10 suggestions:
Adversity and stress are part of life. We can't avoid them, but we can learn how to seize the wheel and steer through them. Research, as well as common sense, tells us that what we do and the attitude we take will determine how resilient we are. Here are 10 suggestions:
1. Connect with others. Resolve to make a stronger connection with family and friends in the new year. People who have the support of others manage stress better than loners.
2. Practice flexibility in your thinking and in your behavior. Sometimes it is better to try in a different way than simply try harder.
3. Communicate clearly and directly with others. Effective communication is critical to solving life's problems.
4. Manage strong feelings, don't avoid them. Talk about how you feel. Don't deny your feelings.
5. Keep your sense of humor. Laughing sometimes is better than crying. Although both can do a lot for one's mental health.
6. Take care of yourself physically. Make a real plan this year for losing that weight and exercising.
7. Do something for someone else. When we do this, we often get back more than what we have given.
8. Write a mission statement for yourself for the new year. When you get up in the morning, be able to answer the question, "Why?"
9. Act on your values, not on your fears. Fear can control your life. Don't let it.
10. Expect that things will change. Few things stay the same in life. The bad and the good will pass. Get better at accepting this reality during the new year.
Ron Breazeale, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience in the fields of mental health and substance abuse.
For more information about the skills and the attitudes that build resilience: www.reachinghome.com.
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