Twenty-five percent of all employees rate their jobs as their top source of stress. Nowadays, many of us work in highly demanding, always-on, highly connected work environments susceptible to high levels of stress and burnout. Because the speed and intensity of the current work environment won’t change anytime soon, you must develop resilience skills to cope with the rigors of the modern workplace.
A large body of research points out that resilience can be developed through behaviors, attitudes, and social support systems that anyone can adopt and cultivate. Resilience depends on a variety of factors, including the ability to cope with difficult emotions, optimism, a sense of safety, and a sense of community. Fortunately, some specific skills and behaviors are associated with resilience, and you can practice them to become more resilient.
Here are a few tips, based on the latest neurology, psychology, and organizational research, on how to remain resilient during periods of chronic stress and complex changes.
Being Authentic
We are authentic when we uphold the values and beliefs we hold dear. Some of these values include integrity, honesty, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Research shows when you align your values and beliefs with what you do, you increase your emotional intelligence. Therefore, when you find yourself in emotionally challenging situations, it is likely that you will be able to handle them well.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
We all experience ups and downs at work sometimes and that’s perfectly normal. Sometimes, it’s difficult to remain positive. Nevertheless, a growth mindset can alter a negative mindset. With this mindset, we are more likely to take on challenges and learn from them. We can manage our negative emotions by focusing on solutions to create an environment in which mistakes are encouraged and pressure is viewed as a motivator.
Set Goals
The stress of crisis situations can be overwhelming. Some people may even feel that they are unsolvable. Those who are resilient are able to view difficult situations realistically, setting realistic goals to overcome them.
Whenever you find yourself struggling to deal with a situation that appears overwhelming, step back and assess the situation. Create a list of potential solutions, making sure to divide them into achievable steps.
You can even use an online tool that will help you keep your tasks aligned. But make sure you have a reliable internet connection like the one offered by Windstream (for Spanish customers, Windstream Espanol) to use the said tools.
Strengthen Your Social Network
Being able to confide in people is important. In times of crisis, having supportive and caring people around you is helpful. Even though talking about a problem with someone does not make it go away, it can help you express yourself, receive supportive feedback, and come up with potential solutions to your problem.
Stress Management
Establish a work-life balance that allows you to relax. We live in a time where work is essential; yet, you should not let your career consume you. It is in the nature of human beings to socialize and enjoy our leisure time, and allowing ourselves to do so can be profoundly beneficial to our productivity and well-being. By building relationships with our loved ones, friends, and colleagues, we can be effective at work while enjoying our social lives.
Nurture Yourself
The tendency to neglect your own needs is all too common when you’re stressed. When facing a crisis situation, many people lose their appetite, refrain from exercising, and do not get enough sleep. However, even when you are experiencing difficulties, focus on finding ways to nurture yourself. Take part in meaningful activities.
When you take care of yourself, you can boost your physical and mental well-being and be well-prepared to face the challenges of everyday life.
To Sum Up
Take your time developing resilience, and don’t get disappointed if you can’t handle a problematic event right away. Resilience is a skill everyone can master. All you need to do is master some skills in order to practice resilience. However, it is important to note that everyone has a different level of resilience.
Work on developing your resilience skills, as well as the traits of a resilient person, while building upon your existing strengths as well.