"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers" - M. Scott Peck.

Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress - such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors, it means"bouncing back" from difficult experiences.

When faced with adversity, an individual shows resilience by facing and dealing with the challenge by utilizing their inner resources, their positive and never back down attitude. Resilience is not a personality trait, it is a learning process. A resilient person uses his/her strength, hope, optimism and self-efficacy to view the adversity as a challenge, a learning experience that will help him/her to grow as a human being.

There are four basic ingredients to resilience:

  • Awareness – noticing what is going on around you and inside your head;
  • Thinking – being able to interpret the events that are going on in a rational way;
  • Reaching out – how we call upon others to help us meet the challenges that we face, because resilience is also about knowing when to ask for help; 
  • Fitness – our mental and physical ability to cope with the challenges without becoming ill.  

LEARNING HOW TO BE RESILIENT

  • Rationalize your thoughts

When faced with adversities and challenges, our mind makes different connections to certain uncomfortable circumstances, things or people and blames the outcome on them. The first step is to rationalize and clear your thoughts, thinking negatively or blaming external factors is not going to help deal with the situation so blocking these negative thoughts and addressing the rational part of your brain is best. 

  • Develop a support system

In order to face certain challenges, you not only require to draw onto your inner resources but you also need the support from your personal relationships. Seeking help from the people around you is not a sign of weakness, rather it will help you deal with the situation in a much better fashion.

  • Health is wealth

Resilience is not just about mental strength, you need to be healthy physically and mentally in order to face the crisis head-on. Exercising regularly, making time for yourself and your loved ones, eating well and healthy and getting sufficient sleep all together conspire to help you develop resilience.

  • Change your outlook

It is important to understand that having a negative outlook on an unpleasant situation, it may not help us in any way. Whereas if we have a positive outlook and view the unpleasantness of the situation as a challenge then we may be able to find the hope, strength, optimism and drive to deal with it. 

  • Optimism is key

When faced with challenges, we are often plagued by negative thoughts. These negative thoughts feed upon negative energies and we are unable to find a solution to our problems. Being optimistic can help us clear our mind and rationally come up with a plan to deal with the situation. 

  • Personal growth

It could be a possibility that despite putting in all our efforts we may be unable to find a solution to the problem, it happens to every one of us. Rather than feeling dejected about it, it is advisable to think of the situation as an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to learn from your mistakes. 

  • Seek professional help

Most mental health illnesses disturb our ability to be resilient. Consulting a Psychiatrist or a Psychologist can be of great help. They will actively listen to what you have to say and formulate a treatment plan that would be best suited to you which may include medication, psychotherapy or both. 

"Resilience is very different from being numb. Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt. You fall. But, you keep going".

"Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it's less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you've lost or you can accept that and try to put together something that's good" - Elizabeth Edwards.

"Mumbai city is an excellent example of Resilience, no matter how much environmental and human adversities it faces, city and its people shows excellent Resilience and keep moving"- DR MOHIT SHAH