BUILDING RESILIENCE

In times of crisis, we have a choice.

1. GET CALM

• Breathe: Deep breathing increases oxygen, promoting calm.
• Exercise: Reduces stress hormones and lifts your mood with endorphins.
• Journal: Writing negative thoughts and feelings clears them.
• Get outside: Nature reduces blood pressure, tension and stress hormones.
• Hold the phone: Lots of time on your phone is linked to high stress and sleep disturbances.

When we react to stress or fear, we are unable to think rationally. Take time to breathe and you will calm down and make better decisions.

2. CHANGE YOUR THINKING

• Stay positive: Change the narrative through positive self-talk.
• Remember: Setbacks are temporary, situational and objective.
• And ‘Yet’! Give yourself permission to learn, grow and get better.
• Defeat worry: Don’t dwell on or tell yourself scary stories.
•  Be a hero: Tell yourself a story in which you are the hero.

You have the power to change your thinking and your story.

Choose to be the hero.

3. CREATE A RESILIENT LIFE

• Take care of yourself: Eat healthy, develop a good sleep routine and stay hydrated.
• Reflect: Regularly reflect on things for which you are grateful.
• Connect Spiritually: Spirituality reduces stress and boosts health.
• Connect with others: Build connections and create a support system.
• Care for others: This improves your own mental health and emotional well-being.

Just as we choose how we think, we choose how we live.

Adapted from Venture International LLC