Strong women aren't born strong. Our genetics, our environment, our friends and our family can all significantly influence how we see and perceive the world. We all have an inner power, an inner light that guides us when we face difficult situations.
Some call this resilience. Resilience is known as the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. The keyword here is 'recovery' as it is not about masking one's issues but about coming to terms with them and moving on.
But resilience is not something you are necessarily born with, but a learnt behaviour you can nurture as you age. It is a conscious choice, a habit, a way to live a happier life.
Advantages of Resilience in Everyday Life
Mental strength you much like muscle strength, needs to be exercised daily for best results.
How can you achieve resilience and start your journey towards a happier, more balanced life? We share some tips below to get you started:
1. Be more aware of your abilities and limitations and use them to your benefit. Set yourself tasks according to your skillset and boost your confidence with every success.
2. See life difficulties as an opportunity to learn: sometimes life will give you lemons, make lemonade. Learn from every experience, good or bad and use your learnings to try again. Armed with knowledge changes are you will succeed the second time around.
3. Be creative: try looking at things from a different perspective. Turn that frown upside down, and with it turn your world or problem into the other direction.
4. Be mindful by remembering you cannot control everything, and that is ok. You are not meant to control everything. Change what you can; let go of what you can't change.
5. Be more optimistic: live the moment and allow yourself to feel everything and anything. Being happy doesn't mean always being positive; it means always finding a positive solution.
6. Surround yourself with positive people; remember, great minds think alike. By surrounding yourself with positive people, you will allow each other to grow together and find solutions proactively and authentically.
7. Be more flexible to change: life is constantly evolving. Accepting change and adapting quickly will allow you to be happier and more self-aware of your surroundings.
8.It's ok to ask for help. No one is perfect, and sometimes we all need a little help. Don't be afraid to reach out to someone in times of need. There is no shame in needing support.
Resilient people are happier because they know their emotions and understand their limitations. Resilient people use the resources available to them and are not afraid to ask for help when needed.
How to Get Started?
Resilience is not a day-to-day skill that requires time, practice, and perseverance—the first thing to do to find your support network. Having a solid support network will give you the stability you need during difficult times. It will also give you a different perspective on life and boost your creative thinking.
Second, accept that change is a part of life. Learn how to adapt to change and make the most out of each opportunity. Start with small steps, and don't get frustrated if you don't get there the first time. Embrace the journey.
Last but not least, visualise success and growth. If you can see it, you can reach it. Believe in yourself.
Helping Hands, Building Resilience Through Exercise
Exercise can help you feel back in control of your own body and your own decisions. It can also give you a sense of purpose and determination to reach your goals.
Why not try it out? Introduce a workout routine into your life. Visit your nearest Curves club today, and let us help you find balance and build your mental and physical health through exercise.