Mental resilience

What is mental resilience (positive psychology)? Have you ever wondered why some people seem to remain calm in the face of disaster, while others seem to fall apart? People that are able to keep their cool have what psychologists call resilience (an ability to cope with problems and setbacks) Resilient people are able to utilise their skills and strengths to cope and recover from problems and challenges (big or small)

What is mental resilience (positive psychology)? Those who lack this resilience may instead become overwhelmed by such experiences (again… big or small!). They may dwell on problems and use unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with such challenges (becoming angry and blowing something small out of proportion, anxiety and worrying constantly). Generally, these individuals are slower to recover from setbacks and may experience more psychological distress as a result. Often they have an ‘Amygdala Hijack’

What is the ‘Amygdala Hijack’? "The human brain hasn't had a hardware upgrade in about 100,000 years. Most of us are still acting out of the ancient fight-or-flight response, and that upgrade is long-overdue. Our fight or flight response was designed to protect us from the a saber tooth tiger, a lion or even another tribe attacking us threatening our physical survival. When activated, the fight or flight response causes a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones to pump through our body. Today the threat is symbolic ('he's not treating me fair)' but we respond with the same biological response (very unhealthy!!!). This is also called the "amygdala hijack." The amygdala is the center of the brain that controls this response, and also controls empathy; when it feels threatened, it can respond not just irrationally, but destructively (but it does not need to… its kind of a bad thing to misuse it)!

Where did I learn about it?

How to be more resilient… People who demonstrate resilience are people who are: Manage their emotions effectively, especially anxiety (self-control of the amygdala!) The ability to manage strong impulses and feelings (‘you cant stop the waves but you can learn how to surf’) A positive self-concept and confidence (not arrogance) in one’s strengths and abilities (& a positive attitude… don’t be a fun sponge) Communication and problem-solving skills (Deal effectively with people… don’t be rude!) Maintain a high level of self-motivation (intrinsic motivation) Set high, realistic goals (don’t make things too easy for yourself) Use positive self-talk. Use positive mental imagery (5 minute thinks are good… so is juggling!) Be humble and show gratitude (no matter what you think you really are fortunate!) Put things into perspective (does the situation really require you to behave like that?) Have a positive role model! Know what your values are and what you stand for…

R.i.C.H = Mental Resilience Relaxed (not stressing about little or even big things) In Control (of your emotions) And Happy (optimistic – we focus on success not failure)

Thanks for listening…

End

Being weak emotionally Overwhelmed emotionally by an event A-Levels, uni, life is often a 1 shot deal so you have to make it count. You have to be able to have TCUP and this needs you staying RICH Self control is the most important part of mental resilience – thoughts have emotions and you need to change both some of your thinking and emotional reaction's. Breath control, having short term goals help control emotions Don’t quit in darkness…. Don’t quit something when you are in a bad place…. Wait till you are in a happy place Get out of your comfort zone…. You will be better for it (stretch yourself)