The world has been a little (okay, a lot!) crazy lately. (Just ask Elmo.) And if there’s one thing for certain, it’s our collective need for resilience in challenging times.
Whether you’re supporting leaders or teams, curious about strengthening your own resilience, or are attempting to raise strong little humans in an unpredictable world, research suggests resilient behaviors can influence mental and physical well-being, as well as future growth and success.
To learn more, I turned to the pros. Dennis Charney, M.D. and Johnathan DePierro, PhD built on Dr. Steven Southwick’s groundbreaking work in this space. In the most recent publication of their book, Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges, the experts suggest that while resilience is influenced by both our biology and our environment, it can also be developed with practice. Here’s what I learned:
- Maintain a realistic sense of optimism. Even in the face of setbacks, the experts say resilient folks don’t let setbacks substantially rock their sense of progress and confidence, or interfere with their positive habits.
- Identify and adhere to your values. Southwick, Charney and DePierro refer to this as a “moral compass,” and suggest that resilient people are often guided by — and maintain — their core values, even when facing challenges.
- Connect with others to give and receive support. Interestingly, the research here suggests it’s not a one-way street. The most resilient people both offered support to others AND sought support from those around them.
- Find resilient role models. Whether in real-time or in literature/history, science suggest that most resilient folks seek to learn from — and surrounded themselves with — other resilient folks.
- Pay attention to your physical health. Most of us believe there’s a direct correlation between diet/ exercise/ sleep, etc. and our physical and mental health. Science backs this up. Maintaining healthy physical habits can help in a host of ways when times get tough.
- Stay mentally active. Research found that “mentally fit” folks focused on learning, which helped them better regulate their emotions and problem solve in times of crisis or setbacks.
- Spend time in nature. Studies have shown that folks who spend time in nature every day have better cognition, working memory and attention skills, which may contribute to overall resilience.
- Remain humble and flexible. Not surprisingly, the experts suggest staying open to learning new approaches, while accepting reality. Actively seeking opportunities for gratitude can also boost resilience.
- Embrace faith. Whether it’s formal religion (a community of faith), spirituality (a broader belief system), or a general belief in something “bigger than oneself,” research suggests this cultural touchstone is an important resilience component.
- Find meaning/purpose, and ways to contribute. The experts suggest acknowledging your feelings (grief, anger, disappointment), getting curious, and using that energy to fuel your next steps … potentially helping others along the way.
I’ve interpreted each of these tips based on my own reading, but you can learn more in the book, which offers recent, relevant examples (think post-pandemic healthcare workers) and some practical suggestions (Volunteering, anyone?).
The world feels like a tough place right now — for big people and little people alike. Science suggests cultivating resilience can help us weather the storm … together.
If you’ve read any other great research on resilience, or want to share tips, please post them below!
With more than two decades of communications experience spanning agencies, Fortune-100 organizations, non-profits and academia, Kristi Hinck Mills brings her passion for communications to CommsLede Consulting, where she delivers strategic communication solutions and executive coaching for her clients. Visit the CommsLede blog for more tips.
