Resilience, commonly known as the act of ‘bouncing back’ can be officially defined in the words of Masten et al., 1990, as the process of, capacity for, or outcome of successful adaptation despite challenging or threatening circumstances.”
Resilience is predicated on exposure to significant threat or adversity, and the current pandemic, COVID-19, definitely fits the bill. Thus we at MHT decided to collate some useful tips to help you ‘bounce back’ from this uncertainty in the best way, individually.
- Abstain from seeing the COVID-19 as an insurmountable emergency.
One can not decide the future of this virus or can one decide how it will affect oneself and his loved ones, but one can change how he perceives and reacts to this situation. The MHT blog on Cognitive Biases can help one understand their thoughts better.
- Stay Flexible.
Many plans must have gone haywire, some trips cancelled, big events postponed indefinitely, but over-thinking about these is like crying over spilt milk. In order to ‘bounce back’ with a bang, one has to be flexible while approaching the next couple of months and take each day as it comes.
- Set certain realistic goals keeping in mind the ‘big plan’ and try to achieve them.
Set up some reasonable goals. Accomplish something every day/every week — regardless of whether it appears to be a little achievement or a big one — that empowers you to advance toward your ‘big plan’. Rather than concentrating on errands that appear to be unachievable, ask yourself, “What’s one thing I realize I can achieve today that encourages me move toward the path I need to go?”
- Rekindle your connections.
This is a perfect time for all the pending catching up that one has been planning forever. School friends, extended family, the crush that got away, everyone is going through this time of crisis and collectively, we as the human race can face it bang on.
- Nurture a positive view of yourself.
We will all get through this, eventually. Blaming yourself for something that was not in your hands can be a reason for developing stress, anxiety and even depression in the near future. Read here to know more about power and control one can exercise in these dire times.
- Introspect and find the best suitable way to take a ‘break’.
Some people read, some journal, some might paint and on the other hand, some might just sleep it off. In the case of mental health, there are no ‘one shoe fits all’ approaches. Deep dive and find multiple outlets that can help you take a step back from the pandemic related news and just relax. Here is an activity list that you might find of use.
Do let us know in the comments below if you found these tips to develop resilience useful and if you applied any of the above in your daily life.
References
https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-tips-to-build-resilience/
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/overcome-obstacles-resilience#1
