Build resilience and live life one day at a time

Build resilience and live life one day at a time 

Living with high levels of stress can significantly impact both our emotional and physical health, so it can be helpful to find ways to manage our stress levels and build resilience. Ultimately the goal will be to better understand the different types of stress we face, how they impact on us and what we can do to relieve pressure and regain control.

However, we are not all equal in the face of stress and some personality types are more prone to stress than others. In our modern lives, stress is now increasingly measured by how we ‘interpret’ any stressors.

Different Personality Types:

• Type A – Characterized by strong extraversion, hyperactivity, a feeling of permanent urgency, an ease to express anger and above all a professional over-investment. Their fundamental belief is to be the best, with no room for error and seen as brilliant or a social success. This personality type does run the risk of suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
• Type B – Calm and cooperative, this personality type is less prone to stress.
• Type C – Introverted and expressing few needs, internalizes negative emotions and constraints. This personality type is subject to stress, but in a different way because they are a perfectionist who can have low self-esteem. They can be described as having a ‘false hope’ and runs the risk of suffering from anxiety, depression and burnout.

But no matter what your personality type, simply living a healthy life can be one way to build resilience and have the energy we need to live life one day at a time. And along with getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet, relaxation can be a vital part of how we learn to overcome stressful situations as they arise.

This simple meditation technique will give you an opportunity to better understand exactly how you are feeling, so you are totally in that moment and able to switch off all other thoughts. It will help you become more mindful in a matter of minutes and really ground you in the present, so you can start to reduce stress but pressing pause on your day and really listen to your senses.

Simple Meditation Technique

Before you start, remember to let the people around you know you are taking some time out to sit quietly and focus on your breathing:

• Find a quiet place – You can sit in a chair with your hands resting on your knees, cross-legged on the floor, or kneel down. You just need to be relaxed, comfortable and have your back straight. If sitting in silence feels a bit strange at first, don’t worry, it’s perfectly OK.
• Gaze into the distance – Try not to focus on anything in particular, just let your eyes slowly de-focus. As your vision starts to blur, close your eyes and relax.
• Breathe deeply – Take a deep breath in through the nose, and then out through your mouth. Do this at least five times and listen to your breathing so you can clear your mind.
• Stay like this for as long as you need – Breath gently and focus on your senses. Only notice what your body is feeling at that moment. When you feel ready, gently open your eyes and enjoy the feeling of calm. You are now ready to take on the world.

When we fully understand stress, we can help both our clients and ourselves build resilience so we live a balanced life that is healthier, happier and more productive.