My Dad has been a major role model for me on how to be resilient over and over in his lifetime. He has dealt with trauma, adversity, difficult business days and major loss in his life. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and learn to deal with life’s challenges.

A growing body of research now looks at resilience as a way to retrain your brain and offers concrete ways on how to increase your resilience to handle major crisis and daily stress. Research has found that while 50% is genetic the other 50% can be acquired through the choices you make. By increasing your resilience studies have shown it an make a difference in your stress levels, anxiety, emotional health, mindfulness and overall quality of life.

By cultivating gratitude, forgiveness, self-compassion and focusing on the positive rather than the negative are some principles one can learn to cultivate. Using strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, goal setting, and relaxation techniques one can increase their resilience. Paying attention to your thoughts, your self-talk, and changing your neural pathways can help you move forward. Learning to develop an action plan with a coach or an accountability buddy can also help you during stressful times. The brain is like a muscle that can become stronger when you become aware of your thoughts. Paying attention to your whole being, engaging in a set of skills, and practicing them can help increase your resilience. Focus on your SPICE of Life:

Spiritual – Living a life of meaning. Helping others gives you a sense of purpose, hope, and meaning.

Physical – eating a healthy diet, exercising, sleeping can all help to improve your emotions, focus, and overall well-being. I call this your foundation!

Intellectual – engaging in life long learning, mindfulness and meditation can enhance and uplift your mindset

Connections – nurturing your relationships and connections with others will help you weather life’s challenges.

Emotional – boost your happiness quotient by engaging in gratitude and focusing on the good in your life.

This is the foundation on which to build the Power of Resilience. If you need help or someone to talk to about any of these areas in your life please call for a free consultation.