Council Post: How To Become More Resilient In Uncertain Times

Crises often bring with them an avalanche of fear, anxiety and turmoil for individuals, families, organizations and communities. When facing a “threat,” we enter fight, freeze or flee mode, and every action we take is about how we can protect ourselves from whatever challenge is at hand. But as a result, it can be difficult to be creative and find long-term solutions.

As the CEO of a mental well-being technology company, I’ve outlined my advice on how to sustain your energy, focus and positive spirit in any crisis. The following tips will focus on how you can remain strong and healthy during challenging times. From my perspective, we all need to take responsibility for our own resilience, continued growth and evolution while supporting our friends, families and employees in doing the same.

Purposeful Resilience

Times of crisis are often a great reminder to reflect on what is really important in life and how one can create a sense of meaning and positive contribution to those in need. I believe we all have strengths and inner gifts that can help uplift others.

If you love to sing or play the piano, for example, plan a virtual micro-break with colleagues or friends to lift their spirits with your music. If you love to exercise, share some tips on how to stay healthy during this time, and maybe even consider organizing a virtual exercise session with your colleagues or friends.

We must not let negative feelings conquer our minds during trying times. Look beyond your title and current functions, and think about how you can uplift someone else’s spirit in a fun, new way. In my experience, shared purpose bonds people together and creates a sense of community that is essential to our well-being.

Emotional Resilience

It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions during a crisis, so it is important to remain aware of not only how you’re feeling but also how those around you are feeling as well. Practicing mindfulness can help you optimize your emotional awareness, introspection, regulation and balance. The following are three simple ways you can practice mindfulness during your day:

1. Mindful eating: This is all about staying in the present moment while eating and truly savoring each bite.

2. Mindful interaction: This is about being in the present moment and engaging in a conversation (with no distractions) while giving your undivided attention to the other person.

3. Mindful action: This is about being in the present moment while you are walking, typing on your computer, listening to music or doing any other activity through your day.

Mindfulness takes practice, but every step will get you closer to mastery and a greater resiliency.

Mental Resilience

To enhance your mental resilience, challenge yourself mentally every day. Every crisis will come to an end, and things will recover eventually. When this happens, you need to be ready and fully energized. Take advantage of this moment to grow and learn new skills.

Neuroplasticity refers to your brain’s ability to develop new neural pathways throughout your life. You need novelty and sustained practice of new behaviors in order to increase your brain’s neuroplasticity. During a crisis, embrace how you can evolve and grow personally in order to remain mentally healthy.

For example, consider learning a new language or working on a new skill using free online courses. Take advantage of e-learning or e-books. At the minimum, give yourself a target to learn something new every day for 10-20 minutes since this has significant benefits in terms of cognitive health. If you have kids at home, have a new learning practice with them every day, and let them suggest the topics they are interested in.

As a final tip to increase your mental resilience, take time to be grateful. Studies have indicated that just taking five minutes each day to write down what you are grateful for can help amplify your happiness. If you are connecting with your colleagues online while working from home, before talking about business, have everyone share one thing that they are grateful for. Do the same with your kids or family at home every day. I believe the beauty of gratitude is that when you are in this positive state of mind, fear can dissipate.

In summary, these tips can help make you more resilient while also helping you seize any crisis as an opportunity to become a better version of yourself.