Can you learn how to develop emotional resilience? As I write this, Mental Health Awareness week is coming up. But I find the term Mental Health unhelpful and creates a stigma which belies the real-world problems which many of us face at some time or another: stress, anxiety, depression and grief. The opposite of poor mental health is emotional resilience.
How to develop emotional resilience
So here are some tips to help you develop this important resource so that when things get tough, you are able to bounce-back more easily:
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Be kind and compassionate towards yourself (and others). The knowledge that we are all doing our best and just want to be happy can help soften any judgements you may have and ease you into a gentler way of being
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Plan your day and give yourself a comfortable routine which has flexible time so you can accommodate curveballs and have some downtime too
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Learn how to say ‘no’ so that you are not taking too much on. This can be done with good grace and assertiveness – respecting your own needs as well as the needs of others
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Do something nice for someone every day, no matter how small – a smile can be enough. It makes you feel good and connects you to others
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Exercise is not just good for the heart and for weight, it’s great for stress and mood too. A good power-walk outside gets you a healthy dose of exercise with Vitamin D which boosts your feel-good chemicals
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Live in the moment. It’s good to plan for the future and remember positive experiences about the past, but your life is in the now. Learn to appreciate where you are
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Practice positivity. There’s nothing like negativity to make you stressed and depressed. Learn how to let go and be more positive. Think Positive, Feel Good
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Make sure you eat a balanced diet including foods rich in B Vitamins. Also foods rich in tryptophan as this helps produce serotonin which in turn creates feelings of wellbeing: milk, cottage cheese, turkey, chicken, eggs, red meats, soybeans, tofu, nuts (especially almonds). This meal planner might help you.
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Make a list of things you are grateful for: a roof over your head, food in the cupboard, a sunny day, rain to make the grass green, a smile from a stranger, a flower in bloom …
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Live your life according to The Serenity Prayer: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. It’s great for getting rid of too much worry and focuses you in areas which will make a difference
If it all feels like too much, or it’s been going on too long, why not call for a no obligation chat to see how professional help from someone who understands can make all the difference in your life. I can be reached on 0345 130 0854. You’ll be glad you did!
