According to Google, resilience is “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” In other words, how quickly one is able to “bounce back” from adversity. Whether it be from daily stressors, a breakup, losing a job, or failing an exam, there are ways of building our resilience so we can better manage our lives during these difficult times.

Here’s 7 steps to building resilience:

1) Take care of yourself:

Once you know yourself, then you will be able to take care of you. Spend time doing different activities that are relaxing, fun, and that makes you happy. Figure out what you need in the moment. Perhaps it’s a walk outside, a bubble bath, journaling, or spending time with people who care about you. Self-care looks different to everyone, but it is essential to a balance life and overcoming everyday life challenges and stressors.

2) Connect with others:

Surround yourself with people you strive to be, who inspire you, and who have a positive impact on your life. You want to spend time with people who get you. People who you trust and who truly cares about you and your overall well-being.

3) Have a flexible mind-set:

If it’s one thing that life can guarantee, it’s that everything changes. Sometimes what we plan, doesn’t go according to plan. Be open to change and adjust your expectations accordingly.

4) Set goals you want to achieve:

Find something that’s important to you, plan out the specific steps you need to take, set short-term and long-term goals, and go for it! Need some guidance? Book an appointment with yours truly!

5) Move towards life-long learning:

We can never “master” life. There’s no final stage in which we’ve fully achieved all of the hurdles of adulthood and therefore we can cruise through the rest of our existence. The best thing we can do, is to be curious and open to learning new things and have new experiences that will help us grow as individuals.

6) Let the little things go:

There is no point in holding onto grudges against others or ourselves. We need to accept that everyone makes mistakes and to find a way to spend our time and energy on things that are worth our time. Be gentle and patient with yourself and others.

7) Adopt a positive outlook on yourself:

Focus on the things that you’re great at and acknowledge your strengths. It’s okay to praise your talents and to have confidence in what you do. Keep up with activities that make you happy, this will give you the bounce you need in building resilience.