Building your resilience

What is resilience? “Resilience is the capacity to withstand stress and catastrophe, an ability to cope with problems and setbacks.” “Resilience is being able to quickly bounce back from adversity.”

Why it matters How you react to and deal with setbacks can play a major role in not only the outcome, but also the long-term psychological consequences. It is the cornerstone of adaptability - an attribute we all need during times of rapid change if we want to achieve our goals.

What’s going on? What is the biggest single cause of sick days in UK? What is the most stressful factor in people’s lives? A culture of fear and silence about stress and mental health problems is costly to employers. What can I do? There are three kinds of people; those that make things happen, those that watch things happen, and those who don't know what's happening Prioritise yourself

Mind It starts with your thoughts. “Watch your thoughts for they become your words, watch your words because they become your actions, watch your actions because they become your habits, watch your habits because they become your character, watch your character for it becomes your destiny.” What we think, we become. Simon Devonshire (BEIS entrepreneur in residence) said ‘entrepreneurs in USA are less traumatised by “failure” and willing to try again’ e.g. resilient. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison (Inventor. 1847-1931) “Setback”, not failure. Watch your words.

Mind Perception. There are always two ways to look at things. Pause and consider: Is there another way? Can I see things differently? Really? Do I need more information? Fear. Make a conscious choice to perceive challenges as something beneficial, so you can deal with them in the most productive way possible.

Body Drink more water (nature’s anti-depressant), reduce caffeine, and avoid power drinks. Use the free machine downstairs to measure your weight, and blood pressure. Exercise. Healthy eating. Sleep.

Behaviours How strong is your social network? Make quality connections with the people close to you that matter. Who will answer your call at 1am? Glendower: “I can call spirits from the vasty deep.” Hotspur: “Why, so can I, or so can any man; But will they come when you do call for them?” Shakespeare, King Henry IV Part 1, III,i

Behaviours Outside interests e.g. avoid discussing family and work. The rise of the book club. Keep a positive diary / record of positive experiences. Humour - laughter is the best medicine. Make a resilience plan - review your behaviours. e.g. you have insurance plans, car service plans, perhaps one for your washing machine. Your condition and circumstances change. What do you have for YOU? What will you do differently?

Make it happen Write down one thing that you will do to build your resilience over the next four weeks. Put it in the envelope, write your name on the envelope, and seal. Open it in four weeks time!