Resilience is about adapting and continuing to move forward in the face of setbacks and change. When you have resilience, you can trust your ability to respond to challenges, because we all encounter difficulties sometimes.
Resilience isn't something someone else can just give you. But it is something you can develop yourself by making changes in the way you perceive and respond to challenges.
We've gathered some practical tips from UBC's Wellness Advisors—trained professionals who connect students to the right support services—on just how you can find your resiliency.
Tips for building resilience:
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Develop self-compassion. If you’re going through a tough time, be kind to yourself. Sometimes we can say some pretty awful things to ourselves during difficult times. Be aware of this negative self talk. Stop and think—would you say that to a friend experiencing the same thing?
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Practice mindfulness. Focusing on the moment and tuning in to your present experience can be helpful when you're going through difficult times. Check out the Stop, Breathe, & Think app for some techniques to try.
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Create a plan to manage stress. Think about your current concern, and write down a list of things that you can do to help yourself right now. Ask yourself what has helped you before during stressful situations, and what you can do in the future to help yourself. For example:
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Create a self-care routine (having a consistent bedtime, eating regular meals, exercising, etc.).
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Create a study schedule for yourself that could include, for instance, going to group study sessions or attending a Live Well to Learn Well workshop. Remember to always make time for personal care breaks.
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Make the most of available resources. Learn about on- and off-campus resources that can offer support (for example, the Learning Commons provides extra help with academics, and Student Services has lots of info about health and wellness support). Check out your extended health benefits to see what additional health coverage you have.
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Know when to reach out for help. If you have any thoughts of harming yourself or others, or if you are worried about your own safety, contact a 24-hour support resource: 911, Empower Me, Access & Assessment Centre, Crisis Line, Campus Security
Remember, you have the capability to find resilience and bounce back from challenges. Just think about all the things you've learned in life already!
We don’t always have control over the circumstances we face, but we can learn ways to manage them and how to respond to them.
Try out a few of these tips and see what resonates with you in finding your resiliency.
More about UBC’s Wellness Advisors:
Wellness Advisors are mental health professionals who meet with students experiencing a wide range of concerns that are impacting their mental health.
When you drop in to Counselling Services for the first time, you can make an appointment to meet with a Wellness Advisor for a 15-20 minute initial consultation. Wellness Advisors can help you assess your concerns, and work alongside you to develop a Wellness Plan that outlines next steps for support.
Should you meet with a Wellness Advisor? You can meet with a Wellness Advisor for a variety of concerns that are impacting day-to-day functioning, such as anxiety, depressed mood, or stress.
During your time at UBC you will face many opportunities to develop your “resilience muscle” and while it’s hard work, tapping into your resilience will help you at UBC and throughout your life.
