Life can be full of unexpected twists and turns. How we respond often determines how well we recover and develop resilience in the face of adversity. Resilience can be defined as “an individual’s ability to positively cope with stress and adversity – bouncing back to a previous state of normal functioning, or using the experience of adversity to enhance flexibility and overall functioning” (Cornell University Health1). Building resiliency does not mean you will avoid future hardships, but it does help shape your response during those difficult times. It allows us to thrive and grow, regardless of what we face. Resiliency is not something that can be obtained overnight; it is something that needs to be practiced, cultivated, and developed over time.

Find Purpose

A sense of purpose can give us the motivation and will to push on through tough times. As we find meaning through day-to-day life experiences, goals, responsibilities, spirituality, and even careers, we aren’t defined by the challenges we face. Purpose can change our perspective and allow us to see a bigger picture.

Build Community

Don’t underestimate the power of relationships, connection, and community. Prioritizing these can bring you much-needed support in every season of life. Hard and stressful situations often leave us feeling lonely or isolated. Building strong relationships with loved ones you can confide in will feel like a lifeline when you need it most.

Learn from Experience

Personal growth is a key component of resilience. Learn from past challenges and let those experiences teach you how to respond in the future. Let your perspective change challenges into opportunities for growth and development. Consider journaling about stressful situations to notice personal patterns and behaviors.

Accept Change

Change is difficult, and it is part of what drives our stressful or anxious feelings. However, life changes are inevitable. Embracing flexibility and learning to accept change will broaden our outlook, enabling us to adapt and adjust as needed. You’ll be able to use your energy towards things you can change and control rather than focusing on those that are out of your hands.

Take Care of Your Needs

As we face trying times, we often forget to care for our basic needs. Many basic needs, such as nutritious food, adequate sleep, and regular activity, provide our bodies with the necessary fuel to face challenges and recover more effectively. Resiliency recognizes that taking care of our physical needs will support us mentally and emotionally, now and in the future.

Put it into Practice

Resiliency is not a trait we are typically born with. It is a skill that we must practice regularly to achieve. Life happens, and stressful situations will occur whether we expect them or not. As we intentionally choose to pursue resilience, we reframe how our bodies respond physically, mentally, and emotionally through difficult challenges and trying seasons.

Seek Support

While resilience takes time and practice, some situations feel too heavy for us to handle alone. If you find that your stress or mental health impedes your ability to do daily tasks, you should seek additional support and help from a licensed professional. Remember, you never have to face life’s challenges alone. Working with someone can help you find the strategies you need to endure, flourish, and build resilience.

Continue Reading February 2026 Newsletter: How You Eats Affects How You Feel