What does resilience mean to you?
Resilience is about how we bounce back and adapt after stressful or challenging events. The Mayo Clinic sums up resilience as the ability to move through life’s challenges without losing your sense of self. It doesn’t mean you’re unaffected by pain, grief or stress; you still feel those emotions. But you’re able to keep going, one step at a time.
Resilience isn’t about “toughing it out” or handling everything alone. In fact, one of the strongest things you can do is reach out for support. Connection, self-care, and asking for help are all powerful parts of resilience.
It’s not about being unshaken. It’s about finding ways to steady yourself in the storm.
PositivePsychology.com identifies research (Boniwell & Tunariu, 2019; Neenan, 2018) which recognises the following 6 Signs of Resilience:
1. Reframing
View challenges from a more helpful or empowering angle, which softens the feeling of overwhelm and opens up new possibilities.
2. Using the power of positive emotions
Moments of joy, gratitude, or connection expand your thinking and remind you that you’re not alone. These feelings strengthen bonds and create a sense of purpose and belonging..
3. Participating in physical activities
Physical activity, whether it’s a walk, yoga, or dancing in the kitchen, helps release stress and boosts confidence and energy.
4. Ongoing active engagement in trusted social networks
You stay connected to people who feel safe and supportive. These relationships help you feel seen, grounded, and less alone in difficult times.
5. Identifying and using natural strengths
You recognise your strengths, like kindness, creativity, or persistence, and use them to navigate challenges in authentic and meaningful ways.
6. Optimism regarding the future
Even in tough times, you trust that hard moments are part of the journey, not the end of the story. Optimism helps us view setbacks as temporary, making us more hopeful and positive about the future.
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