“Change is the only constant” – Heraclitus
Life is unpredictable. Till the time there is life, some or the other struggle will present itself in front of us, having negative repercussions on our mental health. The year 2020 has been particularly stressful due to COVID-19. Uncertainty continues this year as well. It’s time we prepare ourselves for anything and everything that life throws at us by building our psychological resilience.
Routine
Psychological resilience, just like any other habit, takes time, intentionality and effort. It requires changes in behavior, thought and action on a daily basis. Having a routine is a major step towards becoming psychologically strong. Start with having meals and sleeping at the same time every day. Exercise or brisk walk for thirty minutes daily to keep yourself fit, inspired and happy. Add nutritious food and proper hydration to the mix and you are raring to go!
Gratitude
Maintain a gratitude journal. Often times we get so bogged down by the things that have gone wrong in our life that we forget to count our blessings. Every day, make it a point to write about one thing that you have or achieved and are proud of. It can be something as simple as replacing your fast food lunch with something low-calorie and nutritious. It can also be a promotion at work or owning a second seaside home or even being able to sleep on time everyday for a week. Even if something doesn’t happen as planned, you already have a handbook of everything that has gone in your favor in life. This definitely serves as a cushion to any blows that might be coming your way.
Belief
Believe in a higher power. Let go of the things that you have no control over and have a “belief” that they will be taken care of in due course. If something you desire you’re able to get, it’s great. However, if you don’t get it, it’s even better! Have a “belief” that life has planned better things for you. What’s truly yours and is essential will eventually find its way.
Freedom
Focus on the present. Learn the lessons from your past and utilize your experience to build a better future. Make money and invest it wisely. Practice minimalism and spend appropriately. Managing personal finance ensures that there is no stress related to loan repayments, living expenses and retirement funding. In a way, money can buy you freedom from stress.
Self-love
Improve your relationship with yourself. Forgive yourself for any mistakes/failures. Be kind and pamper yourself. Feed your mind with good thoughts by reading something meaningful every day. Feed your soul by meditating and helping those in need. When you wake up, hold a glass of water and close your eyes. Then tell the water a good thing that you want to manifest and drink it. Believe in the mysterious ways this universe works beyond science! Make efforts everyday to build psychological resilience. While you are at it, live an organized life. Pay bills on time and avoid any last minute work. Stay away from drugs and alcohol. Although, life in itself is a great teacher, making us strong, weak, practical, emotional, angry, peaceful, ambitious, spiritual, selfish, giver and many other things at various stages, yet, if conscious efforts are made towards maintaining mental health, an equilibrium and balance of mind is achievable that ultimately leads to bliss!
Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash