How to Boost Your Resilience in 5 Ways

It’s easy to become overwhelmed at times, especially with all we’ve dealt with over the past year. However, during uncertain times, stress and anxiety have a way of creeping in, and each person has their own unique way of handling it. Some seem to bounce right back, while others may take a little longer and need more support and encouragement.  

Resilience refers to how well you’re able to deal with life’s challenges. Resilient people tend to have a more positive outlook on life, enabling them to cope with stress more effectively. The ability to bounce back after a difficult time doesn’t always come naturally, and no one is one hundred percent resilient all the time- we’re all human.  Resilience and tenacity are behaviors that can be learned over time. 

Here are five techniques you can focus on to boost your resilience. 

1. Get enough sleep 

You can’t underestimate a good night’s sleep. Good, quality sleep can provide clarity, improve memory and decision-making skills, and better equip you to not only deal with everyday stress but the unexpected curveballs that life tends to throw.  

The National Sleep Institute recommends seven to nine hours a night, which seems like a lot for some people, but it’s important not to deny your body and mind the rest it needs to function correctly.  

2. Unplug, and detach 

Watching the news or scrolling social media these days can be enough to stress anyone out. So it’s ok to take a social media sabbatical or turn off the television for a while to give your mind a rest. It’s a perfect excuse to get out into nature, plan some family game nights, or indulge in some self-care that you’ve put off.  

Unplugging from technology every once in a while is not only good for your mental health but your physical health as well. Staring at a screen for long periods can cause issues such as migraines and eye strain.   

3. Find an exercise method that you enjoy  

 

Exercise is an essential part of self-care, but many people tend to put it on the back burner because they find it too tedious or hard to fit into their schedule.  

Although fitness is a passion for many, some need more motivation to incorporate exercise into their routine. The key is to find something that you genuinely enjoy doing. That may take a lot of trial and error, but it is well worth it in the end because the mental and physical benefits of getting regular exercise are enormous.

4. Realize that it’s ok to say “No” sometimes 

Sometimes, we commit to things because we don’t want to appear rude or we’re afraid of upsetting someone. It’s ok to set boundaries and say “no” when you’re already juggling multiple projects. It’s also ok to decline invitations if you don’t feel up to going.  

Sometimes, overcommitting yourself or going to events you don’t enjoy to please someone else leads to resentment. Reserving your time and energy for things that are meaningful to you can eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress.  

Stress is an everyday part of life and something that we will all frequently experience in varying degrees. If you resign yourself to the fact that stress is inevitable, it can be easier to deal with when unexpected or unwanted things happen. Being proactive, planning, and practicing coping techniques can do wonders in boosting resilience.  

Virtual reality- a technology often associated with gaming, is increasingly being used as a method to reduce stress and practice relaxation techniques. Psious offers VR environments that promote relaxation using imagery and breathing exercises, along with situations that will allow them to practice different emotional regulation techniques.  

Anyone can learn to be resilient; it just takes practice and consistency and knowing that resiliency looks different for everyone.  

If you’re interested in finding out more about VR therapy, you can access our directory of specialists and schedule a session with a VR health professional in your area.