Resiliency definition: Resiliency is the ability to be adaptable in the face of stress, to bounce back more easily and quickly following difficult events, and to be more adaptable to future stress.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to a decreased sense of resiliency, or ability to remain calm and steady during difficult times. Some of these factors may include:
- chronic stress (such as political upheaval, a pandemic, discrimination)
- chronic illness, including long COVID
- traumatic loss – death of loved ones from COVID-19 or other types of traumatic death and non-death losses
- history of trauma
- being impacted by extreme weather events–hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, tsunamis, and other types of extreme storms.
- ongoing eco anxiety or eco grief in response to climate change
- growing up with a parent who struggles with addiction
Exposure to chronic stress, including stressors mentioned above, can result in stress related difficulties, including a decreased sense of resilience. The good news is that there are things that we can do to increase resilience that can help us to recover from previous or current stress and can also help us to be more resilient to future stress.
When we consider resiliency definition, we might think of it as being adaptable, having a greater sense of inner strength, having grit, being calmer and more confident in the face of difficult times, and being more compassionate toward ourselves or others. All of these qualities can decrease stress and increase resilience.
Fortunately, there are things we can do to cultivate resilience. These things include training our awareness with mindfulness and meditation practices, cultivating greater compassion and self-compassion, resilience training, cultivating healthy connection with others, growing an appreciation of beauty in nature, growing moments of safety, peace, and connection, developing our inner strengths, practicing mindful self-care, and other practices. Stay tuned, as I’ll be writing more posts on how to be resilient.
Sign up for my email newsletter to receive more tips about being resilient.