A key to building resilience is identifying ways that will likely work well for you as part of your personal strategy.
Make connections. Good relationships with close family members, friends or others are essential. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience. Some people find that being active in civic groups, faith-based organizations or other local groups provides social support and can help reclaim hope. Assisting others in their time of need also can benefit the helper.
Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems. You can't change the fact that highly stressful events happen, but you can change how you interpret and respond to these events. Try looking beyond the present to see how future circumstances may improve. Note any subtle ways you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult situations.
Accept that change is a part of living. Specific goals may no longer be attainable as a result of adverse situations. Accepting circumstances that cannot be changed can help you focus on conditions you can alter.
Move toward your goals. Develop realistic goals. Do something regularly–even if it seems like a small accomplishment–that enables you to move toward your goals. Instead of focusing on tasks that seem unachievable, ask yourself, "What's one thing I know I can accomplish today that helps me move in the direction I want to go?"
Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive steps rather than completely detaching from problems and stresses and wishing they would disappear.
Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect due to their struggle with loss. Many people who have experienced tragedies and hardship have reported better relationships, a greater sense of strength even while feeling vulnerable, an increased sense of self-worth, a more developed spirituality and a heightened appreciation for life.
Nurture a positive view of yourself. Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience.
Keep things in perspective. Even when facing harrowing events, consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.
Maintain a hopeful outlook. An optimistic outlook enables you to expect that good things will happen in your life. Try visualizing what you want rather than worrying about what you fear.
Take care of yourself. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with situations that require resilience.
Additional ways of strengthening resilience may be helpful. For example, some people write about their deepest thoughts and feelings related to trauma or other stressful events. Meditation and spiritual practices help some people build connections and restore hope.
