Pop Quiz: How Resilient Are You?
By Lexi Sponseller
Youth Peer Support Specialist on the Hancock County System of Care Project at Family Resource Center
Pop quiz! Do you identify with any of the following statements?
1. I am resourceful and have good problem-solving skills.
2. I can seek help when I need it.
3. I know ways to manage and cope with my feelings.
4. I have social support available to me.
5. I am connected to others, such as family and friends.
If you agree with any of the above statements, CONGRATULATIONS! According to research, you share common factors with other resilient people.
Resilience means that you have the ability to recover, or bounce back, from difficult situations that all people, including YOU, go through every day. This skill is especially important during a time of uncertainty and fear. And, learning to be resilient can help us maintain balance in our lives during times of stress, feel more positive, and even add years to our life!
It is incredibly hard not to become overwhelmed by negativity during a difficult time. The good news is that you can build resiliency. The decisions you make in the face of adversity are vital.
Here are four resiliency #protips.
1. Stay socially connected. Connection is a basic human need. Invest in your relationships with friends and family. The current need for social distancing is a perfect opportunity to have phone calls or video chats with those you love.
2. Take care of you. Become more intentional about implementing self-care activities into your daily routine. Practice more activities that make you feel purposeful, happy, and relaxed.
3. Stay flexible. Accept that many things are out of your control and learn to bend instead of break. Try to be adaptable and find the positives when faced with a crisis.
4. Be grateful. Practicing gratitude will help you feel more positive emotions and turn negative emotions into optimism.
You are more resilient than you think you are! You are capable of handling the difficulties life will throw at you. Writer and researcher Elisabeth Kubler-Ross said, “People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.”
Resilience is the light in the darkness. When you are feeling low, do not forget that you have the strength and skills to bounce back.
The collective trauma of COVID-19 is uncharted territory for all of us. In the Thriving Families blog, we aim to share messages of hope and tools to cope. Featured authors are local experts and community partners.
In March, our Hancock County System of Care grant project launched the inaugural Thriving Families Week. This week was dedicated to bringing local families and professionals together to talk about healing trauma, addiction, and mental illness.