According to GS Movement, resilience is the ability to adapt to and grow from difficult life experiences. It includes coping with adversity, loss, and trauma.

People face many adversities, including personal crises such as illness, abuse, bullying, and job loss. There are also tragic events in the news, such as terrorist attacks and mass shootings.

1. Be Positive

Every person goes through life with a different set of challenges. These might be insignificant and everyday annoyances, or they could be more traumatic events like the death of a loved one or a major illness.

Regardless of your situation, there are ways to deal with life’s challenges and build resilience.

While it may seem counterintuitive, focusing on the good can help you cope with difficult situations. Practicing optimism can boost your immune system and prevent depression.

Having an irrational thought pattern can negatively affect your mindset and how you react to challenges. Change how you think by focusing on the big picture and recognizing that things can’t always be controlled or changed.

Building resilience is a process that can take time and practice. But with a little patience, you can build the skills you need to face life’s challenges with confidence and strength.

2. Take Care of Yourself

Resilience is a set of personal behaviors and skills that allow people to cope with life’s challenges. It’s a strength that people can cultivate with support from their friends and families over time.

Resilient people learn to reframe negative thought patterns and focus on small ways to solve problems. They also avoid catastrophizing or assuming the world is out to get them.

Taking care of yourself and doing what you love can help you feel strong and healthy when needed. It can also make you a better partner, friend, parent, and worker, even when you’re dealing with difficult challenges.

3. Be Honest

Resilience is the ability to withstand adversity and bounce back from setbacks. It’s an important skill to have, especially in today’s world.

Resilient people tend to have a higher tolerance for the emotional distress that often accompanies difficult times, and they’re more likely to seek help and support when needed.

They also have coping skills, which include healthy ways to manage emotions, make realistic plans and deal with change.

Honesty is the key to building resilience, and it can significantly impact your mental health.

Whether you’re with your partner, family member, or coworker, honesty can strengthen your connection and improve your overall well-being. A recent study from Rochester University showed that people who tell the truth are better off in the long run, regardless of their relationship status.

4. Don’t Give Up

Every person will face stressful or traumatic events at some point. These can include the loss of a job, illness, the death of a loved one, natural disasters, and more.

The best way to deal with life’s challenges is to develop resilience. Resilience is a skill that can be developed and strengthened through positive mental health habits.

Resilient people are able to overcome negative thoughts and focus on positive ways to deal with stress. They are able to look at negative situations realistically and find small solutions that can help.

To build resilience, try to remember that everyone experiences setbacks and failures. These can be good experiences that teach you important lessons about life and how to adapt.

5. Don’t Neglect Others

Resilient people are able to see past difficult situations and find enjoyment and meaning in their lives. They also know how to manage their stress and improve their relationships with others.

Resilience is a learned capacity that can be built and strengthened through age-appropriate practices and health-promoting activities. It enables people to deal with a wide range of challenges, including adversity and trauma, and other sources of stress, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).

Physical resilience involves the body’s ability to adapt, maintain stamina and strength, and recover quickly and efficiently. This can be achieved through healthy lifestyle choices, connections with friends and family, deep breathing, time well-spent to rest and recover, and engaging in enjoyable activities.

6. Make a Plan

Life can be full of challenges that test our patience, inner strength, and beliefs. But there are ways to deal with these tough times successfully.

One of the most effective things you can do is make a plan. A plan will help you focus on the positive, keep your goals in perspective, and avoid becoming discouraged when challenges occur.

To create your plan, start by defining your vision or big life goals. Then, consciously change your experience in life to fit those goals.

After you have your vision in place, it’s time to uncover the values that will guide you on your journey to achieve them. This can be tricky, but if you do it well, it will lead you to a meaningful life. It will also make you more confident in your decisions.

7. Take Care of Your Relationships

Taking care of your relationships can help you cope with life’s challenges. Strong interpersonal relationships are an important part of our well-being, whether it’s a romantic partner, friends, family, or coworkers.

Keeping strong relationships requires time, energy, and lots of communication. You don’t have to have a perfect relationship, but you do need to put in the effort.

Be sure to tell your partner exactly what you need and want. This can be tough, but it’s much healthier than trying to guess what they might need or want from you.

In addition to communicating your needs and wants, be honest about how you are feeling. It is not always easy to be open about your feelings, but it’s the best way to avoid arguments and misunderstandings that can quickly turn into anger or resentment.

8. Focus on the Good

A person who can focus on the good in life will have better mental resilience. This is a skill that can be trained and strengthened over time.

One way to develop this skill is by practicing gratitude regularly. By identifying the good things in your life, you can build a positive mindset and condition your mind to find the silver lining in every situation.

You can overcome any challenge by shifting your thinking from negative to positive. The best part is that this can help you develop a strong immune system and greater well-being.

98. Take a Break

When you feel overwhelmed by stress or adversity, taking a break can be a great way to restore yourself. It can give you time to think, relax and refocus on the future.

Taking breaks can also help you avoid getting overwhelmed in the first place. Whether it’s an extended vacation or a day off, breaks can help you feel refreshed and recharged to continue to thrive.

Resilience is about being able to cope with life’s challenges without losing your sense of self. It’s a learned skill that requires practice and commitment to improve.

10. Keep a Journal

Keeping a journal is a great way to organize your thoughts, express yourself, and deal with emotions in a healthy, positive manner. It can also improve your mental health and reduce stress and anxiety, which are common factors in dealing with life’s challenges.

Depending on the journal you choose, you can use it for anything from idea journaling to writing down your daily gratitudes. You can add doodles, photos, and audio files to your journal entries!

If you’re trying to get into a habit of keeping a journal, it’s important to set aside time every day to write. It can be difficult to make this a regular practice, so try setting a reminder on your phone or finding a convenient place where you can write.