5 Things Resilient People Do Differently

When you're truly resilient, adversity doesn’t get you down physically, emotionally, or psychologically (not for long, at least). And the most resilient people have an inner trust that they have the resources to handle anything. Here are five things resilient people do differently:

If you aren't physically fit, your ability to handle challenges, think clearly, stay positive, and ultimately bounce back from adversity and illness diminishes. Improving physical vitality requires that you begin to perceive everything in your life as fuel that enables your body to thrive. To become more resilient, fuel your body with:

Your thoughts and emotions—positive and negative—also serve as fuel for your body and mind. Under duress, positive beliefs, confidence, and the ability to think clearly falter. This is because fear takes over, along with a cascade of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Studies show1 that resilient individuals, on the other hand, not only maintain positive emotions, but they use them to bounce back from negative experiences, as they remain confident, optimistic, and open in the face of change. The path toward improving this pillar of resilience includes:

Another characteristic found among resilient people is that they tend to possess2 a sense of meaning and purpose in life, and that this spiritual outlook enables them to better deal with trauma. Being more spiritual doesn't necessarily mean being more religious, the term spirituality is associated with the profound belief that you belong to something greater. This sense of belonging and meaning confers better behaviors, healthier choices, and a more positive mental attitude for most. You can awaken and harness this pillar of resilience by doing the following:

Studies show3 that social support and loving relationships are essential for maintaining physical and psychological health. When under stress, socialization and trust become more difficult as oxytocin (the bonding hormone) levels drop and stress hormones rise. Nurturing relationships, staying open, and communicating well—even under duress—are traits that enable you to adapt to difficult times. Ways to cultivate this pillar of resilience include:

Cultivating networks of support, knowing you're part of a community that relies on you, and understanding your value will help you find purpose in even the most difficult times. You have an influence on people around you, and the larger your role, the greater your influence. This means that when you're distressed, negative, lacking social grace, or sick, it will affect your family, co-workers, peers, and even people on the street, giving you a sense of accountability and responsibility to more than just yourself. Improving this pillar of resilience—whether you are a boss, CEO, principal, or parent—involves doing the following:

No two individuals are alike, which means the process of achieving optimal resilience will differ for everyone. The key for everyone, though, is to become fit in every way possible: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.