Strengthening Your Resiliency Core

by Guest Blogger: Rose Gantner, Ed. D., NCC

You may hear a lot about strengthening your physical core, with lower back and abdominal exercises. But did you know that emotionally you have a core of strength as well? Our core strength in terms of overall happiness is: resiliency.

Studies show that resilient people are healthier, happier, more productive, adaptable, and less prone to issues such as depression or anxiety. And just like with physical health, there are exercises you can do to strengthen your resiliency core.


Here are 4 of my favorite ways to build resilience:

1. Identify Purpose and Passion
This may not be as obvious as we think it should be, so take some time to sit down and think. Answer this question: What makes you get up and go to work? Write out your answer(s) and examine why this motivates you.

2. Practice Perseverance
No road is totally smooth, so when you encounter an obstacle, your response is critical. Repeating “I can do this” in your mind or aloud can inspire the dedication you need to power through.

3. Boost Self-Confidence through Preparation
While you can’t control everything in life, you can increase your self-confidence by upping your preparation level. To be fluent at a task or talent, it takes 10,000 hours of practice. No matter what the skill, you build it one minute at a time. When you know what you’re good at, play to your strengths as often as possible.

4. Seek Support
Other people can often be a source of internal strength. Reach out to a friend, coworker, or behavioral professional when you’re feeling overwhelmed or need to talk things out. At times, it can be difficult to let others in on our troubles, but as the saying goes; “that’s what friends are for.”


If you’re looking assistance on this topic, check out these links:

http://www.lifesolutionsforyou.com
http://www.resiliencescale.com/