Last week we looked at the first 2 ways to increase your resiliency.  As you build your resiliency you will find that you are able handle stress better.  Rather than staying stuck in the stress response you will be able to turn this off so that you can recover better.
 
Stay focused – It is important to stay focused on your goals and solutions rather than on the problems that are present.  Take some time to develop a vision of where want to go and then make some appropriate goals.  Everyday take steps toward your goals.  If you are overwhelmed and have trouble getting started, break your tasks into smaller steps.  No matter how small the steps are, at least you will be moving forward and not staying stuck in the inertia that happens when you are overwhelmed.    
 
Be flexible – Resilient people know when to bend and sway.  You may feel that the current events or problems are barriers on your path.  However, sometimes these detours on the road of life take you down a new road that is more profitable, successful, and/or healthy.  In other words, sometimes these obstacles are blessings in disguise.  Stay open and flexible. 
 
Express your emotions – Emotions are a natural part of life.  It is perfectly normal for feelings to ebb and flow.  Resiliency requires you to allow your emotions to flow freely and for you to express these emotions.  You may choose to talk about your feelings with close friends and/or with a professional.  Writing about your emotions in a journal can also be helpful.  Expressing and processing your emotions in a safe way will allow you to move through the painful emotions rather than getting stuck in the quagmire of unresolved emotions. 
 
Next week we will look at self-care and social support as ways to build resiliency.

Create a great week!

Kirsten

This entry was posted by Kirsten Harrell on November 19th, 2007 under Spirit and Inspiration with keywords .

Subscribe to this topic's feed.