Resilience is the ability to cope with and bounce back from the difficulties of life. It can help you overcome challenges, learn from your experiences, and maintain a positive outlook. Resilience is not something that you are born with or without; it is a skill that you can develop and improve over time. Here are some tips on how to become a more resilient person.

1. Find a sense of purpose

Having a clear and meaningful goal in life can give you direction, motivation, and hope. It can also help you find value in your struggles and see them as opportunities for growth. Some examples of purposes are serving your community, pursuing your passion, or following your spirituality. Whatever your purpose is, make sure it aligns with your values and interests.

2. Believe in your abilities

Confidence is a key component of resilience. When you trust in your own skills and strengths, you are more likely to face challenges with optimism and courage. To boost your confidence, remind yourself of your past achievements, celebrate your successes, and seek feedback from others. You can also practice positive self-talk and replace negative thoughts with realistic and supportive ones.

3. Develop a strong social network

Having supportive and caring people around you can make a big difference in times of crisis. They can offer you emotional, practical, and informational support, as well as feedback, advice, and encouragement. To build a strong social network, reach out to your family, friends, colleagues, or community members. You can also join groups or organizations that share your interests or values.

4. Embrace change

Change is inevitable and often unpredictable. Instead of resisting or fearing it, try to adapt and adjust to it. Flexibility is an essential skill for resilience, as it allows you to respond effectively to different situations and cope with uncertainty. To embrace change, be open-minded, curious, and willing to learn new things. You can also look for the positive aspects of change and see it as an opportunity to grow.

5. Nurture yourself

Taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health is vital for resilience. When you are healthy and well-rested, you have more energy and resources to deal with stress and challenges. To nurture yourself, practice healthy habits such as eating well, exercising regularly, sleeping enough, and reflecting on your substance use. You can also engage in activities that relax you, such as meditation, yoga, reading, or listening to music.

6. Establish goals

Setting realistic and attainable goals can help you focus on what you want to achieve and how to get there. It can also help you measure your progress and celebrate your accomplishments. To establish goals, use the SMART criteria: Specific (clear and detailed); Measurable (quantifiable and trackable); Achievable (within your reach); Relevant (aligned with your purpose); and Time-bound (with a deadline).

7. Take action

Taking action is the final step in becoming a more resilient person. It means putting your plans into practice and facing your challenges head-on. Taking action can help you overcome fear, build confidence, and learn from your mistakes. To take action, start with small steps, break down big tasks into manageable ones, prioritize the most important or urgent ones, and reward yourself for completing them.

Becoming a more resilient person is beneficial for your mental and emotional well-being, and your physical health and performance. Resilience helps you cope with stress, overcome challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and grow from adversity. By practicing some of the strategies we discussed, such as cultivating a positive mindset, building strong relationships, and seeking help when needed, you can develop your resilience and thrive in many situations.

(https://health.cornell.edu/resources/health-topics/building-resilience)