I have been looking back over some of the content I created during the height of the pandemic. I have been curious to better understand this time because, one, it feels like and long time ago, and two, I find it hard to have any exact memories of being locked down. What I found was a great deal of insight into my approach to uncertain times. Some things I wrote were a general look at change, how to stay positive, etc.
Others, like the article below, are a more direct take on getting through hard times. I am sharing the posting “How to Build Resilience in Uncertain Times” again because it feels appropriate for our current market conditions. No, we are not in the middle of a pandemic, but I feel these tips are as beneficial today as they were in 2020.
Enjoy!
From continued social distancing to underlying financial uncertainty, the world continues to cope with challenges that have never experienced before! Many of us are left looking for ways to adapt, accept, and bounce back from these stressful times. Resilience is an essential skill that will not only help you rebound from life-changing situations but emerge stronger than you were before. But how do you train resilience? Here are some ways to build resilience in uncertain times.
Focus on Four Core Components of Resilience
A common theme among resilient people is that they surround themselves with empathetic and understanding people during difficult times. The Together Apart and Together at Home campaigns during this pandemic are good examples of promoting unity and building resilience by supporting each other.
- Strengthen one-on-one and group relationships. Let times like this serve as a reminder to prioritize the relationships with friends, family, etc. that you already have.
- Focus on physical and mental wellness. Simply put, you can’t learn or build resilience without self-care. Since stress can impact you both mentally and physically, it’s important to promote a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and practicing mindfulness.
- Find a purpose. If you’re struggling to find a sense of purpose, or even hope, then there are local organizations that can provide you with the social support that you need to overcome these challenges and realize that you’re not alone. It’s important to keep goals realistic and take pride in the small accomplishments when dealing with adversity.
- Adopt a balanced thinking pattern. Instead of focusing on the things that are completely outside of your control, adjust how you react to them. Chaos can be mitigated by maintaining some structure and routine and having an optimistic outlook.
Live in the Moment
The Buddha’s principles of mindfulness are still among the most relevant today. Here are some quotes attributed to him that can help give you a new perspective:
- “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
- “The mind is everything. What you think you become.”
Although challenges will arise, don’t dedicate all of your energy and resources to worrying about the worst-case scenarios that rarely happen. It’s important to stay in the moment and focus on the things you can control like avoiding compulsive habits including alcohol, drugs, social media, etc.
If you are proactive about your self-awareness, mindfulness, self-care, relationships, and purpose, then your psychological resilience will become stronger over time.
