When uncertainty surrounds you and makes you second-guess every decision you make, it can wear you down if you lack the resilience to deal with life’s challenges. How can you actively work on building your resilience and improving your mental well-being – especially amid the upheaval that has characterized 2020? 

1. Go With the Flow

Think about how you reacted the last time something didn’t go your way. Did it derail your whole day, or did you take a deep breath and accept the circumstances? It’s wiser to practice acceptance and acknowledge that conditions have changed. It’s not fruitful to spin your wheels worrying about a situation you can’t control. Move ahead by adjusting your attitude and living in the present.

2. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

If your harshest critic lives inside your mind, your mental well-being can suffer as a result. Pay attention to your inner monologue – do you often catch yourself repeating self-defeating phrases like “You’ll never succeed” or “Everyone is going to blame this problem on you”? It’s normal to feel unsure of your direction from time to time, but your default response to every situation shouldn’t be to condemn and criticize yourself. 

Negative self-talk is a toxic cycle that affects your mental well-being and can lead to anxiety and depression. To combat this problem, write affirming phrases and post them in areas where you’ll be sure to see them, like your mirror. If you meditate, try setting your intention for your practice with a mantra such as “I’m worthy of success” or “I have value.”

3. Embrace Your Mistakes

It’s OK to be imperfect. We all learn through trial and error, so shift your mindset to welcome mistakes by what you can gain from them. Resilience means finding new ways to move forward, despite setbacks. If one approach doesn’t work, try another. Nobody expects you to be flawless every time.

4. Find a Mentor

Sometimes, you might encounter a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. In those cases, it can help to have a trusted advisor you can look up to. Ask them how they’d respond in a similar situation. They can give you ideas for maintaining your poise and staying on an even keel in the face of a crisis or setback. A good mentor will listen with compassion and won’t judge you for any perceived shortcomings. Instead, their role is to lift you up and to have your best interests at heart.

5. Congratulate Yourself

When something goes well, no matter how small, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. After all the hard work you’ve done to overcome challenges, you deserve to bask in a sense of joy and accomplishment. Remember how good you feel, and use that positivity to propel you forward into your next achievement.  

Help Is Only a Phone Call Away

If you feel overwhelmed and need guidance through life’s challenges, the caring professionals at Serene Behavioral Health are always here for you. We understand that your mental well-being is an integral part of your overall health, which is why we’ll tailor a treatment plan to address your specific struggles. Contact us to learn more about what we treat and how we can fit your lifestyle.