Creating Resilience in Difficult Times
Are you beginning to think we have been thrown back to ancient times and there are many plagues before us? We are going through a global health crisis, economic bumpy roads, and social unrest. It’s certainly a time to create resilience during difficult times. Here are some strategies that can hold you in safe space with the unprecedented times.
Solid routines
I am a professional organizer and productivity consultant. Naturally the first recommendation I have is to create a rock solid routine for your morning, evening or the day. Your routine can have flexibility without begin rigid. Rock solid routines include your set bedtime, your daily exercise and your productivity time blocks. A solid routine helps you know what your plan is for the day, which can be rearranged as needed.
Sacred self care
Self care and resilience are like peanut butter and jelly. Your self care will keep you well rested, well hydrated, and positive. We need energy to stay calm and carry on. Many people are learning new games, crafts and outdoor activities. When you give yourself time to do what you love or to learn something new, you feel energized and upbeat. Self care is required during these times, and beyond.
Trusted sources and resources
Media and social media are filled with many emotions and lots of information. By now you have drilled down to what is your trusted source. Stay true to what you trust and rely on. Double check facts online. I have been relying on science based information rather than many opinions. Use many facts to find the truth of the situation.
Spiritual learning
There is not much in the media that is sharing thoughts about faith. This is a time to lean into your faith. That may be through religious ceremonies via zoom, a daily evening prayer, grace at meals or with a prayer book at home. Knowing there is a great good and a higher power empowers our hope and resilience.
Authentic connections
Authentic connections help you process the world and keep you grounded. Throughout the pandemic, I have called two friends a day to spend time processing what is going on around us. They have helped me find meaning and purpose in this bumpy time. This is the support we all need as we discuss and sometimes laugh at the tough times.
Find the good. It’s all around you. It is the awareness that even in the most troubling of times, good is here. That is resilience. Knowing the good is here.
It’s funny how you started this post. I was just saying this to my husband the other day… seems like we are going through a series of plagues. In addition to the three you mentioned, don’t forget the “murder hornets!” Anyway, I think you give very tactical suggestions here to keep us grounded as we get tossed around. One day it seems like the world is opening and we are returning to normal, and then the next I see a news story – as I did this morning – that we are going to lose more people than we thought, and that all of this reopening is too soon. It’s hard to know what to believe, so I’ve decided to do the things you suggest, keep my eye OFF the news, and focus on what I do have the ability to control.
Thank you @Seana, it’s such a good idea to limit news right now. That’s the ticket to balance and control!
I love the conversation around resilience. One of the books I’m reading now is “Resilience” by Linda Graham. Especially during times of stress, unrest, and uncertainty, it’s helpful to learn how to draw from strengths to help us process and grow through life’s challenges. We have an especially difficult hand right now. Anything we can do to create an improved and grounded mindset will help not just our self, but also our interactions with others.
@Linda – so true! I agree that drawing in strength, from experiences or personal skills, makes this period easier.