During times of prolonged stress, resilience is a critical factor for emotional wellbeing. Resilient people tend to engage in certain behaviours that allow them to reset or pivot whenever necessary. Their ability to perform well despite stressful situations is something others admire.

Here are some behaviours to put into practice to strengthen your own resilience, and to model this for your family.

1. Resilient people can see the big picture. While they visualise the minute details, they can also see the larger landscape. And this keen vision prevents them from over-focusing on something granular.
    
2. Resilient people remain open. Resilient people know staying open to new ideas and opportunities fosters growth. They welcome feedback and work on their own reactivity.
    
3. Resilient people know their blind spots. Since they are open to feedback as well as criticism, they are well aware of their blind spots. They aren't fearful of them.
    
4. Resilient people seek help. They are well aware they cannot solve every problem on their own and are willing to seek guidance from experts. Resilient people know that mastering a transition or challenge often takes outside assistance, and they are not afraid to ask for help.
    
5. Resilient people enjoy spending time alone. Resilient people are not afraid of getting to know their inner self. They tend to view reflection as a growth period, not stagnation.
    
6. Resilient people value and build relationships. Resilient people value other people and see people first. Resilient people know relationships take time and effort and are willing to engage in this process.
    
7. Resilient people develop multiple plans. Resilient people understand that multiple variables can impact their goals, so they develop a handful of contingency plans. They will often have more than one optimal plan in place. This allows them to shift and pivot faster than most and still obtain satisfactory results.
    
8. Resilient people practice self-care. They know they are not immune to challenges, and so they make daily efforts to take care of their physical and emotional wellbeing. This may mean going to bed at a certain time, moving their body physically, or having a daily mindfulness practice. Self-care practices are integrated into their routine.
    
9. Resilient people know everything is energy. They know that saying "yes" to every request will lead to exhausting their energy. They know how to conserve their resources and use them appropriately.
    
10. Resilient people create and make space for innovation. Resilient people are often creating things you are not even aware of or will ever see. They may write a song or a journal entry or paint a canvas just for their own enjoyment. Many innovative ideas come by way of engaging in another creative activity.
     
11. Resilient people use positive self-talk. This does not mean every day is happy and problem-free, but resilient people are very careful with their inner dialogue. They know if they start to criticise their own performance, they are less likely to make a strong recovery. They know mistakes will happen, so they are able to experience disappointment but not get stuck in it.
     
12. Resilient people view challenging situations through the lens of gratitude. They know gratitude is the foundation of overall well-being. Even when the situation is dire, they will foster a sense of wellbeing by stating something they are grateful for. They know this shifts their focus for even a brief moment.

Has your resilience been challenged this year? Have you moved further away from any of these behaviours, or others unique to you that keep you feeling resilient? I invite you to put whatever you feel suits you best into practice, so that when summer, Christmas and the New Year arrive - you are able to fully enjoy this period, and to be rested.

Carly Dober - School Psychologist