What is resilience and why is it important?

When you hear the word resilience, what do you think of? Do you think of overcoming obstacles? Maybe pushing through barriers? Do you know that developing resilience is directly tied to mental health outcomes?

Resilience is built from good stress, when our body and mind show that we can overcome things. Good stress or eustress helps keep the brain and body alert through the release of adrenaline in short bursts. It can create a healthy immune response as long as rest or relief from the stress occurs or is within sight. According to Stanford Medicine, eustress helps to lessen aging of the brain by increasing alertness, increasing performance with mental or physical tasks, and helps build our word of the week, resilience. Resilience helps build strength within our mind and body to overcome adversity, both big and small.

According to the American Psychological Association, resilience comes through the process of experiencing stress or a challenge and adjusting to meet its demands. Resiliency is having the ability to bounce back. Having resilience is the ability when something bad happens to look within yourself to find the strength to push through. Resiliency requires flexibility, inner reflection, and grit. 

Factors that impact how resilient people can be (all of which can be changed or improved through intentional effort)

• how people view the world and engage with other people 

• having a more positive mindset or outlook on life

• developing a strong social support network

• finding strategies to take care of yourself mentally and physically

Resiliency is a protective factor against negative mental health conditions. Resiliency can help to “buffer” against anxiety or depression. Resiliency also improves your coping strategies or abilities. 

How resilient are you? What is one way you can improve your resilience this week?

6 ways to increase resilience (Mayo Clinic)

1. Creating a strong social network or improving the social network you already have

2. Setting daily goals or ways to do something meaningful in different areas of your life

3. Learning from successes and challenges that you’ve already experienced or overcome

4. Having a positive outlook on the future

5. Finding ways to take care of yourself and cope in a healthy manner

6. Being proactive in solving personal issues

What can you do to help build your resilience or the resilience of those around you?

Here are also some great ways to build resiliency in your children or students. It is important for all of us to build resilience both young and old.

Don’t forget to register for upcoming learning events with Faith to dive into resilience and wellness!

How do you plan to build your resilience this week?