If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that life likes to occasionally throw us lemons. (It’s also like a box of chocolate, depending on who you ask.)
Luckily, we all possess an inner strength called resilience—the ability to bend without breaking—that guides us through rough waters and to the other shore. Let’s talk about five strategies to keep your resilience sharp, so you’re ready to handle any obstacle life throws your way. (You may even get a little lemonade out of the deal.)
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Embrace a positive mindset.
Resilience is about mindset. When life throws a curveball in the form of a situation we can’t fully control, we can always control the attitude we choose to adopt. When the going gets tough, it's easy to dwell on the negatives; but choosing to focus on optimism can actually help us deal with stress. How? By giving us a way to see our problems in a new light and a way to keep control. The next time you face a stressful challenge, try using positive affirmations (think, “I can do this”). Practice looking for a silver lining, as well as being grateful for the things you have. Remember, when you control your mindset, your problems can’t control you.
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Make self-care a priority.
Self-care is more than the occasional spa day (who’s got time for that anyway!?). It's about taking care of your whole self—mind, body and all. For example, eating a balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to work at its best. Regular exercise is a stress-fighter that lifts your mood and energy levels, while enough sleep lets your body and mind recharge from daily stress. Plus, making time for relaxation and activities you love can greatly lift your mood and lower stress, making you ready to confront any challenge that comes your way.
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Build a strong support network.
Being resilient doesn't mean going it alone. Creating a strong support network is key. This network could be made up of friends, family, professional counselors—even peers and coworkers can be a good ear to turn to. Your social support network will be there to listen, offer advice or even just vent when you need to express sadness or frustration. Don't be shy to ask for help when the going gets tough. It's a sign of strength to know when you need a helping hand.
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Learn effective ways to cope.
Coping skills help you handle stress and bounce back from hard times. These skills can be as simple as deep breathing exercises that calm your mind or techniques like mindfulness that help you shift negative thought patterns. Other helpful coping strategies might include journaling, which lets you express your feelings and thoughts, exercise and hobbies that distract you from stress and bring you joy. Just remember, there are both positive and negative coping behaviors. Use your judgment to decide which is which. A trained counselor is a great resource to help you find healthy coping strategies that will work in almost any situation. But even a trusted friend or family member may have some good advice.
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Set realistic goals.
Setting achievable goals gives you a sense of purpose and direction. These goals can be about your career, personal growth or even daily tasks. Having clear targets gives you something to strive for, keeping you motivated even when things get hard. But it's important to break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps to make the journey less overwhelming and more doable.
Resilience is about facing difficulties and bouncing back—often stronger than ever. To keep your resilience sharp, practice keeping a positive mindset, taking care of your physical and mental health, asking for help when needed, learning effective ways to cope and setting realistic goals. By using these strategies, you’ll be ready to make lemonade out of any lemon life throws your way.
