BUILDING RESILIENCE IN TIMES OF CHALLENGES

Adaobi was having challenges in her final year in school. She had targeted graduating with at least a second class upper, but her grades were a far cry from that. She could not even get money to execute her final year project. Everything was at a standstill for her. Due to these challenges, she found it difficult to sleep at night. Her head ached constantly, and her eyes were always heavy and bloodshot. She was always lost in thoughts in class. Her blood pressure had skyrocketed. She was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. 

One particular lecture day, she was called upon by her lecturer to answer a question, but because she was absent minded, the question eluded her and got her confused. This earned her snickers from her mates. She sat down shamefully and decided to put an end to the madness going on in her life. She got back to her hostel and surfed the internet for ways to end her life. It was during this search that she stumbled upon the article written by healthyish on building resilience during challenging times. She carefully went through it, read, and decided to follow through with what was outlined there.

As long as we exist in this part of the world, challenges will always be part of our lives. There are various challenges that we face in every aspect of our lives. For some, the challenges may be in their academic, for others, it may be financial challenges. No matter the challenges we face, our ability to bounce back from these challenges and grow through it is very crucial. Resilience is the ability to bounce back, adapt and grow in the face of challenges. It involves keeping a positive outlook, managing stress, and finding ways to cope with challenges constructively. Individuals who are resilient do not avoid difficulties; rather, they face them head-on and use them as opportunities for growth and learning. It is important and crucial to build resilience in times of challenges so that we do not develop mental health problems such as depression as well as physical health problems such as hypertension. Here are strategies that can help us to build resilience in times of challenges: 

1. Have a Positive Mindset: It is important to cultivate a positive mindset when going through challenging periods. Focusing on the positive sides of every situation and maintaining a positive outlook will help individuals get through challenges. 

2. Develop a Strong Support Network: Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family, and colleagues will help you get through challenging periods. Having a network of people, you can turn to for advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear can be invaluable during tough times.

3. Practice Stress Management Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and journaling can help you manage stress and maintain emotional balance while going through challenges.

4. Be Flexible: Being open to change and willing to adapt is key to resilience. Instead of rigidly adhering to plans, be prepared to adjust your approach as circumstances evolve.

5. Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Break down challenges into manageable steps and tackle them one at a time.

6. Maintain Your Physical Well-Being: Regular physical activity can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Even a short daily walk can make a difference as well as eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep are essential for supporting energy levels and mental clarity during challenging periods.

7. Set Realistic Goals and Prioritize: Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. This helps you stay focused and track progress. Focusing on what is most important and letting go of less critical concerns is very crucial to developing resilience during challenging period. This can help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

8. Learn and Grow from Experiences: Take time to reflect on past experiences and identify lessons learned. Understanding how you have overcome previous challenges can boost your confidence and prepare you for future ones. Embrace a growth mindset by seeking opportunities for learning and self-improvement. This can include acquiring new skills, reading, or exploring new interests.

Resilience is not a fixed trait but a dynamic process that can be cultivated and strengthened over time. Finding purpose and meaning in life can be a powerful source of resilience. When you have a clear sense of purpose, it provides direction and motivation, even in the face of adversity. Whether it's through work, relationships, hobbies, or spiritual beliefs, identifying what gives your life meaning can help you stay resilient during challenging times.

NB We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all. Prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.