It’s easier to be positive when your life is going well and the world is relatively settled.

When that’s not happening, (like it is right now for some of us) that’s when you need to call on practices that build resilience.

Here are 3 tips that can help you.

 

1. Seek Support

Surrounding yourself with people who care about you makes challenges less challenging.

Researchers from the University of Virginia found when standing in front of a hill, people who were with their friends estimated the hill to be 10 to 20% less steep than participants who were alone.

And the longer the friendship, the less steep the hill appeared.

Connection requires action. It doesn’t necessarily happen automatically. Who can you contact today to help you feel supported?

2. Self-compassion

Micro-dosing positive emotions builds emotional resilience. 

Psychologist Barbara Fredrickson from University of Chapel Hill tested this theory on 140 adults. Half had to practice daily loving kindness meditations to increase positive emotions.

Those who did so increased mindfulness, a sense of purpose, social support and feeling healthier. They felt more satisfied with life and less depressed.

3. Surrender

Come to terms with both the good and bad in your life, as difficult as it might be.

Make peace with what is, while recognising you would like things to be different. 

Recognise this is where you are in life right now. Just like the good moments in your life, bad ones are temporary too.

Acceptance was a really tough one for me initially. But I realised that fighting against a situation wasn’t going to change it and just made me feel worse.

“The ultimate optimism lies in understanding that every passing moment is a treasure, in joy as in adversity,” Buddhist scholar Matthieu Ricard, from my book Roadtesting Happiness.

If it’s of value, you can find more resources on Sophie Scott TV. Check out our new YouTube Channel trailer here

 

What helps your emotional well-being during times of stress?

 

Take care, Soph x