Written by: Amanda Ray, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Resilience is the ability to overcome hardships and bounce back from difficult and trying situations. In life, we all face challenges that may test us to our limits. While some people might give in, others have a unique ability to bounce back, learn from their failures, and come out stronger on the other side. Resilience is a quality that can be developed, and in this article, we’re going to explore why resilience is essential, how to cultivate resilience, and the benefits of having a resilient mindset.
First and foremost, resilience is vital because it enables us to cope with adversity and come out on top. It allows us to learn from our mistakes and grow stronger. Resilient people are more flexible and better equipped to deal with stress and uncertainty. They maintain a positive outlook despite hardships and setbacks and are better able to adapt to change. Thus, this quality is essential for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The increasing prevalence of mental health issues during the COVID-19 lockdown is worrisome, particularly as many individuals appear to lack resilience skills. To address this concern, we will explore the benefits of resilience and strategies for building it.
1. The Benefits of Being Resilient
Being resilient has numerous advantages. Resilient people have a higher likelihood of accomplishing their objectives and experiencing less anxiety and depression, while also having more satisfying relationships. Moreover, resilient individuals are often more versatile and adaptable, allowing them to flourish in rapidly changing situations.
2. How to Develop Resilience
It's good news that resilience can be learned and improved with practice. You can achieve this by building positive relationships, practising mindfulness, and developing a strong belief in your abilities to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Find Strength in Adversity – Become Unstoppable with Resilience
Living and working in Australia's most remote, impoverished, and violent community put my resilience skills to the test. It turned out to be one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I was based in Cairns and would alternate between two weeks of luxury with modern amenities and two weeks of rough living in Far North Queensland's deprived and remote community. In this region, white people were in the minority.
It can be very challenging to adapt from city life to a culture where white people are in the minority, modern amenities are lacking and the nearest major supermarket is a three-hour round trip away via 4WD. Additionally, due to violence, it is necessary to remain locked indoors from sunset to sunrise.
To adapt and thrive in diverse surroundings, I had to frequently modify my way of thinking to align with varied cultures. This demanded considerable inner resilience and proved to be one of the most impactful and transformative episodes of my life.
Master the Art of Resilience and Conquer Your Challenges
You can find a lot of resources such as articles, blogs, and books that teach you how to master resilience and overcome challenges. You might already have your ways of coping based on your life experiences, and it's important to remember that there's no one correct way. Personal development is unique to each individual, and there isn't a universal solution.
Mindfulness
I believe that practising mindfulness is a highly effective method for developing resilience by strengthening both our rational and emotional minds. It is a widely accepted approach and can be especially beneficial if you don't have access to support networks.
Due to being far away from my family and friends and having limited mobile coverage at times, I couldn't rely on my support network. It's difficult to articulate my experience to people living in urban areas with modern amenities and a sense of safety, who don't have to stay indoors after dark to avoid being attacked. It's something you need to experience to truly understand. In my situation, I sought help from my work colleagues. They were a diverse group, consisting of both white and indigenous individuals. We understood what each other was dealing with.
Staying present and focused
To improve your emotional control, it's beneficial to focus on one problem at a time and stay in the present moment. Don't try to handle all your issues simultaneously; instead, acknowledge and deal with each emotion and problem as it comes up. With practice, you'll develop the skill to manage your feelings effortlessly.
Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you stay focused in the present moment and better manage any thoughts or emotions that arise.
For me, staying present was vital, especially during the COVID-19 global lockdown as the community was in a state of despair and the threat of another riot was ever-present. So, I had to focus on one problem at a time. I addressed only the issues that I had control over.
If you are struggling to cope with overwhelming feelings, you can try practising breathing exercises and journaling as they can help ease your mind and keep you in the present.
Let's Recap
You can be resilient. By being aware, focusing on the present moment, and facing your difficulties directly, you can make the most of your natural resilience. Although obstacles and hardships can be daunting, you can achieve incredible things by harnessing your inner strength.
Mindfulness and or Meditation
These are powerful tools that can help you lead a more resilient and fulfilling life. By practising mindfulness, you become more in tune with your thoughts, emotions and feelings.
Self-belief
When it comes to self-belief, mindfulness and resilience play a crucial role in shaping one's mindset. It allows you to gain a better understanding of yourself, your feelings and your core values.
Staying present and focused
In today's world, it can be difficult to remain focused and in the moment. Distractions, such as social media, worries, and regrets, can pull us away. Nonetheless, practising mindfulness provides the foundation for self-belief and resilience. Mindfulness involves being aware of the present moment without judgement. This approach helps us to be fully present in our actions and to appreciate the beauty in the world around us.
Today, try to discover your resilience and motivation to take control of any situation with poise and skill. Find strength in adversity and never give up on yourself.
Amanda Ray, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Amanda Ray is a content and blogger writer after having a successful career as an Executive Assistant. It was working as an EA to the CEO and Mayor of an Aboriginal community on Indigenous land in Far North Queensland. That changed her perceptions on life saying, “The living conditions were harsh, no modern convivences or the luxuries of living in a city. This made me realise that as a society we put too much importance on money, appearances and material wealth. Listening to Dreamtime stories awakened a spiritual awareness in me and a need to seek a more meaningful life. My aim is to share my learnings with the world to create social consciousness, and collective self-awareness, for the betterment of humanity.
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