Senior Connections

Farmingdale Public Library

Newsletter Topic of the Month

September/October 2015

 

TIPS ON BUILDING RESILIENCE IN LIFE

 

In the June 1, 2015 issue of TIME magazine, the conclusion from brain/mind studies showed how building resilience can improve quality of life. Resilience, as explained in article, is a set of skills that make it possible for people not only to get through hard times but to thrive during and after them, as opposed to a disposition or personality type.These studies were conducted by doctors at various schools of medicine. Their conclusions were summarized in following ten tips for resilience:

 

1. Develop a core set of beliefs that nothing can shake

2. Try to find meaning in whatever stressful or traumatic thing has happened

3. Try to maintain a positive outlook

4. Take clues from someone who is especially resilient

5. Don't run from things that scare you; face them

6. Be quick to reach out for support when things go haywire

7. Learn new things as often as you can

8. Find an exercise regimen you'll stick to

9. Don't beat yourself up or dwell on the past

10. Recognize what makes you uniquely strong - and own it