What is resilience?
Resilience is the ability to positively respond to adversity. It is having the mindset to bounce back, and have perspective on ways to try again and achieve goals.
It is well researches that our experiences and environment have the potential to shape the neural pathways in the brain.
Our brain has an amazing capacity to change and adapt. This is referred to as neuroplasticity.
One of the most important needs of the developing brain is safety.
When we feel safe and secure in our environment, we can think clearly and problem solve efficiently.
If we feel unsafe in our environment, our brain is likely to detect potential threats and prepare us for a fight-or-flight response.
When we are faced with prolonged periods of stress, the brain may adapt to the unsafe environment by responding to situations with fear-based emotions.
That means that the amygdala rules, inciting a stress response with increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol running through the body. This result could be an overly-anxious brain.
Our brain responds to everyday stressors, such as traffic, work demands, deadlines, conflict at work, as well as pressures at home.
These stressors may be perceived as a potential threat which triggers the fight-or-flight response in the brain.
But it is not all bad news.
The brain can adapt to modern day stress.
With knowledge, self-awareness, and practice, we train the brain to calm the amygdala and override the stress response.
How to override the stress response and build resilience
Physical wellness |
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Strong relationships |
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Emotional regulation |
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Resilient thinking |
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