6 tips to build resilience and overcome hardships in life

Everybody comes across a difficult situation at some point in their lives. It might manifest in a variety of ways. For some, it might be financial struggles. For others, it might be relationship concerns. There may be others battling health problems. Adversity can make us feel overwhelmed, defeated and helpless at times. But knowing how to build resilience can help us overcome difficulties, as well as emerge stronger.

How to improve resilience?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change. It is a skill that we may learn and hone over time, rather than something we are born with. One trait that can help us succeed in life – personally or professionally – is resilience.

The challenges we face in life can be opportunities for personal growth and development. Resilience is the key to unlocking that potential. By building resilience, we can become more adaptable, confident and capable of handling whatever life throws at us. With the right tools and mindset, we can transform adversity into a catalyst for positive change in our lives.

Here are 6 tips for you to build resilience in the face of adversity.

1. Acknowledge your emotions

One of the first steps to building resilience is to acknowledge your emotions. It is okay to feel overwhelmed, anxious or upset when facing problems. Rather than trying to suppress or ignore these emotions, allow yourself to feel them fully without any judgment. This can help you process your feelings and move forward.

Here’s how to do it: Take some time to write down your emotions on paper. Acknowledge them without judgment and try to identify the root cause of these emotions. Ask yourself why you’re feeling what you’re feeling until you arrive at the root of the feeling.

2. Practice self-care

During times of hardship, it is important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. This can include simple acts like getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. Additionally, self-care can also involve doing activities that bring you joy, such as reading, painting, or spending time in nature.

Here’s how to do it: Make a list of self-care activities that you enjoy and commit to doing at least one of these activities each day.

3. Develop a support system

Building a support system can help you cope with adversity and provide you with the resources you need to overcome challenges. This can include friends, family, colleagues, or a mental health professional. Having someone to talk to and lean on during difficult times can make a significant difference in your ability to bounce back.

Here’s how to do it: Reach out to someone in your support system and schedule a time to connect with them. This can be through a phone call, video chat, or in-person meeting.

4. Practice gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of acknowledging the good things in our lives and appreciating them. During times of adversity, it can be easy to focus on the negative and overlook the positive. However, taking the time to recognize the good things in our lives can help us feel more optimistic and resilient.

Here’s how to do it: Each day, write down three things you are grateful for. These can be small things, such as a warm cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset, or larger things, such as a supportive partner or a fulfilling job.

Also read: Be more grateful each day: 6 reasons why gratitude can change your life

5. Set realistic goals

Setting goals can help us stay focused and motivated during challenging times. However, it is essential to set goals that are realistic and achievable. When facing adversity, it may be tempting to set lofty goals to try to regain a sense of control. However, setting unrealistic goals can lead to further disappointment and frustration.

Here’s how to do it: Identify one goal that is realistic and achievable in the next week. Write it down and create a plan to accomplish it.

6. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment. During difficult times in our lives, it can be easy to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past. However, mindfulness can help us stay grounded and focused on what we can control.

Here’s how to do it: Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness. This can include deep breathing, meditation, or simply taking a few minutes to observe your surroundings without judgment.

Takeaway

Building resilience is a process that takes time and effort. By acknowledging our emotions, practicing self-care, developing a support system, practicing gratitude, setting realistic goals, and practicing mindfulness, we can become more resilient and better equipped to face adversity.