SANTIVIA BLOG

What's the definition of Resilience?

Resilience is defined as adapting well and bouncing back in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy or significant sources of chronic stress, such as serious health, financial and relationship problems. 

Stress resilience is the ability to recognise that a situation has become painful or difficult and choose a response to overcome it.

Why is building resilience particularly critical in today’s world?

Never before has there been such a radical shift in the world. We are living in times of extremes, and crisis brought about by the pandemic. Change is inevitable and is the new norm, bringing with it unpredictability.  We need to acknowledge that life is changing. 

It is unlikely that we will be able to go back to the old routine. For example, working from home, some of the time will become the new norm. The negatives are less interaction time with work colleagues, possible friction in a crowded household and work and personal time overlap. The positive benefits are less travel time, work flexibility. 

You might have lost your job, which you did not enjoy but it gave you a steady income. This moment can be a positive turning point, moving you to start your own business, maybe making your hobby or interest a business, even training for a career change.

With the world in such a state of flux, there are probably many new fields opening up with new opportunities. We all should aim to become accustomed to change and embrace it in a healthy, positive way.

Factors that play a role in resilience:

1. Be aware of what is going around you and how you interpret the effect on you. 

2. Knowledge of self

Recognise your emotions and thought processes. The way we think of ourselves in the world creates the lens through which we solve problems.

3. Cognitive adaptation   

Practise changing the way you think about negative situations. To build optimism, focus on identifying problem-solving steps you can take.  Aim for a personal sense of hope.

4. Develop strong interpersonal relationships

Be comforted and know that you are not alone in your struggles.

5. Know when to ask for help

We all need help now and again. Many of us function better when we are working with others and obtaining different viewpoints. Resilience is knowing when to reach out to others with whom we have a trusted relationship to solve problems with support.

6. Improve your physical and mental resilience

Physical resilience refers to the body’s ability to adapt to challenges, maintain stamina and strength and recover quickly and efficiently. It is the ability to function and recover when faced with illnesses, accidents and other physical demands. 

If you are in good shape physically and mentally, you will likely be more resilient and capable of making life-changing decisions. Consuming a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise and getting good restorative sleep helps with stress levels. 

Take preventative action to avoid infections and illnesses related to low immunity by keeping your immune system healthy and competent.  Santivia Immune can help you with that! 

Inevitably, we go through challenging periods in our lives. Our stress resilience grows over time, and we can work on changing how we approach adversity.