Resilience can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Discover 10 strategies to build resilience, boost self-confidence, and embrace life’s ups and downs with strength.
Whether your exam result was a grade lower than expected, you didn’t get a part in the school play, or you missed a friend’s birthday party because of a cold, setbacks are an inevitable part of life. This is why resilience is important.
Resilience is the ability to persevere despite challenges, developing a mindset that reframes difficult situations as learning opportunities. Suzy Greenwood, co-founder of wellbeing program Vitality Works, defines it as ‘the ability to bounce back’.
‘There isn’t just one thing that enables us to become resilient,’ says Suzy, ‘there’s a variety of different techniques that support wellbeing, and different practices will work best for different people.’ Because of this, self-reflection is key to discovering what works well for you, through a process of trial and error.
To get started, Suzy suggests following a 10-step resilience program (see below). It outlines the fundamental practices that build an ability to bounce back, which together spell out the word ‘resilience’.
With these strategies – and some of your own under your belt – you’ll learn not to fear what might lie ahead and instead look forward to learning from the challenges that life brings.
10 tips for developing greater resilience:
Reach out for help
It can be seen as a sign of weakness but that’s far from the case – asking for help requires courage.
Voicing your needs is the first step to receiving support.
Express yourself
The urge to belong can feel overwhelming, but expressing your true self allows you to live a life of integrity and authenticity. Wear what you want, listen to music that you like, and pursue your passions with pride.
Self-care and sleep
Whether you prefer journalling, bubble baths, or relaxing with friends, make sure to prioritise your wellbeing. And don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep to transform your mood.
Inner champion
You’ve heard of the inner critic, but now it’s time to introduce your inner cheerleader. If you feel down, listen in to that encouraging internal voice.
Limits and boundaries
Limiting screen time or declining social invitations that don’t appeal are both ways of setting healthy boundaries.
Internal enquiry and intuition
Become aware of your thoughts and feelings (don’t judge them) and allow your gut instinct to guide you. Meditation can help with this.
Empathy and self-compassion
Cultivate self-love by treating yourself with the same care you offer to family and friends.
Repeat affirmations to yourself, such as: ‘I love and accept myself unconditionally’ and ‘I’m doing my best and that’s enough’.
Nature
Getting outdoors can energise your body, restore inner peace, and create a sense of belonging. Be present and tune into your senses.
Courage and vulnerability
One way to practise these is in conversation. Next time someone asks, ‘How are you?’, instead of replying ‘Fine, thanks’, reflect on how you’re truly feeling and consider sharing this. It can create more meaningful connections.
Evolve
If you feel scared before a speech, nervous to join a sports club, or intimidated by the idea of moving schools, remember that challenges expand your comfort zone. You’re still growing into the fullest version of yourself and mistakes along the way are part of that.
WORDS: Heather Casey Leigh
ILLUSTRATIONS: Alessandra De Cristofaro
This article was originally published under the title Bounce Back in Issue 42 – In the Feels. You can get this issue here to enjoy more mindful inspiration.
