Definition of Building Resilience

Building resilience involves a process where individuals become adept, at reframing their thought patterns and adopting a strengths based approach to overcome obstacles. It is not a transformation. Even if one already possesses resilience it requires ongoing effort to maintain it. The following steps can aid in the development of resilience over time;

Foster self awareness; The first step is understanding how you typically respond to stress and adversity. This includes recognizing your strengths as acknowledging your weaknesses. Cultivate self regulation skills; Remaining focused amidst stress and adversity is crucial but challenging. Techniques such as guided imagery, breathing exercises and mindfulness training can assist in regulating emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Learn coping mechanisms; Numerous coping strategies exist to help manage challenging situations. These may involve journaling, reframing thoughts engaging in exercise or spending time outdoors socializing with others improving sleep habits or exploring outlets. Foster optimism; People who possess an outlook tend to feel more empowered and, in control of their outcomes.

To foster a sense of optimism shift your attention towards the actions you can take when confronted with a challenge. Take steps that promote positivity and problem solving. Nurture your relationships. Having a support system greatly contributes to resilience. Enhance your connections and seek out opportunities to forge new ones. Recognize your strengths. People tend to feel more empowered and self assured when they can identify and draw upon their talents and abilities. Resilience is not a state that lasts forever. Different stressors can make someone feel capable of handling one situation while overwhelmed, by another. It's important to remember the factors that contribute to resilience and try to apply them when facing adversity.

Research suggests that resilient individuals often possess several of the following traits;

Support; They have a network of family, friends and colleagues they can rely on when needed. Problem solving skills; They find ways, within their control to address and solve problems. Optimism; in times they believe in their ability to handle challenges. Coping skills; They have techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. Self awareness; They understand their strengths and weaknesses. Know how to utilize their resources effectively. Building resilience is a process where people learn how to reframe their thought patterns and adopt a strengths based approach when dealing with obstacles. It doesn't happen overnight even if you already consider yourself resilient. It requires effort.

Psychologist Suzanne Kobasa identifies three elements that resilient individuals possess; challenge, commitment and control. It requires the utilization of materials, innovative engineering methods and thoughtful design to construct buildings that can withstand harm and continue to function even in challenging circumstances. Resilience refers to the capacity to adjust to situations. When faced with stress, adversity or trauma you may still feel anger, grief and pain. However you are able to remain functional both psychologically.