Resilience is the ability to successfully adapt to challenging life experiences. A person with great resilience can withstand or recover more quickly from difficulties. 

But did you know that resilience is also linked to better overall health and wellness? Regular exercise obviously builds a person’s physical resilience, but new scientific studies are showing a connection between exercise and mental resilience as well. Regular exercise can help lower your stress response and improve resilience, no matter what your age!

The secrets to resilience are not elusive. There are scientific explanations for how and why people can and should build resilience. We can all do little things to train our minds to worry less or even get distracted less. Like everything in life, building resilience is a journey.

 

Build your resilience by: 

Finding purpose

Believing in yourself

Developing a social network

Embracing change

Being optimistic

Nurturing yourself

Developing problem-solving skills

Establishing goals

 

How to build physical resilience 

Starting a new exercise program or routine is not always easy, but with determination, resilience and a positive attitude, you can achieve anything. Moderate exercise can change the neurochemistry in your brain, helping you better manage stressful situations as they come up. Any aerobic exercise that gets your heart rate up can also be beneficial for stress resilience. It doesn’t have to be vigorous exercise – it could be something as simple as going for a walk, riding your bike, swimming or dancing for twenty to thirty minutes. 

 

How to build mental resilience

We all want to be that person who seems unaffected by what others do and say. To help you build your mental resilience, try and take a positive perspective on situations and view challenges as learning opportunities. It is important to regulate your emotions and express your feelings in appropriate ways. Focus on the things you can control instead of dwelling on what you cannot change. 

By applying your resilience to your mental and physical well-being, you will strengthen and grow your physical and mental game. We all have highs and lows in our lives but remember we can build resilience no matter what the circumstances are. It is important to prioritize your mindset to improve your focus. Stay positive, enjoy life and make the most of your moments and you will naturally boost your resilience!

 

 

Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for 45 years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For more information, contact Leslie at Dancekidsfun@gmail.com, (805) 312-8089, or visit the website LeslieSokolDance.com.

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