A helpful way to learn how to cope with 'life' is to expose ourselves to situations that take us out of our comfort zone, to stretch us to do things that we never imagined we could, possibly frighten us a little.
Something to get us to feel our emotional response and learn how to process the feeling and reduce it.
The best time to start learning about managing our stress responses is as early as possible, beyond the first 1000 days when we have grown fully into our limbic system where our emotions are regulated.
There is a balance between empowering our young to prepare them for life's challenges and putting them under too much pressure. Maturity is an important aspect of managing emotions.
Too much pressure at too early an age where the brain hasn't developed adequately may reduce their ability to cope. Hopefully, this is helpful for you as an adult if you believe you aren't as resilient as others appear to be.
If you want to add to your level of resilience, there are some things that you can do to strengthen your ability to cope and adapt. We all know the benefits of having a support network, of believing in yourself, of being optimistic, of managing change.
Yet, how do we do that? Experientially is the best way.
Those who follow us know that we are fans of practical techniques. Don't dream it, don't think it, do it!
Try some of these tips to improve your ability to cope with 'life' when life happens to you:
🧗 Do something small that challenges you, often. Remember, small steps are better than no steps at all.
🎯 Set goals - goals need not be large nor long-term, but we all need something to work towards. A series of small goals is the way, layover points between each goal to rest, the mountain is yours to conquer.
🛠️ Start something new - Learning new skills keeps the brain interested, active, and alert. There are wonderful benefits in having a bucket list, remember to keep adding to it as you tick each one off.
🧩 Work on problem-solving skills - puzzles, online quizzes, a games night, wordle, whatever it takes to get you thinking.
We can become more adaptable, more able to cope with what life sends our way, we become more resilient. We all have the ability to change, this I promise you.
Let's talk!
Gaining Experience Can Be Uncomfortable!