Resilience: What it Means and Why it is Important to Each of Us

How is your resiliency "bank account"?

What is Resilience?

Most definitions of resilience maintain the idea that when facing pressure a resilient individual can adapt well and bounce back to their original state. A somewhat simplistic but realistic way to understand the concept is that resilience is the ability to build up a bank account where you make can make regular deposits (self-care; healthy habits, etc) all the while knowing and anticipating lifes’ necessary withdrawals.

Your Resilience "Bank Account"

Withdrawals are needed as challenges (big or small) arise in life. It is important because a resilient individual anticipates and embraces life in its entirety. With the deposits you have made you are then able to maneuver through challenges and stressors. You even learn and grow from them. That is demonstrated resilience! Drs. Southwick and Charney (2013) note a number of resilience factors. The list includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Realistic optimism

2. Facing fear

3. Moral compass

4. Religion and spirituality

5. Social support

6. Resilient role models

7. Physical fitness

8. Brain fitness

9. Cognitive and emotional flexibility

10. Meaning and purpose. (p.13)

How do you currently rate your resiliency?

How is your resiliency bank account?

We can empower you to “balance your books.” Contact us for more information.

Resource:

Chen,L., Pei, J.H., Kuang, J., Chen, H.M., Chen, Z., Li, Z.W., & Yang, H.Z. (2015). Effect of lifestyle intervention in patients with type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis, (64), 338-347. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.metabol.2014.10.018