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Dec. 29, 2023—Looking for a resolution to help you thrive in the new year? It's not always possible to avoid tough times and challenges. But you can take steps to build your resilience—your ability to face and bounce back from hardship, loss or change.

Building resilience can help you handle whatever the future holds. This year, resolve to try some of these simple activities to help you cope with stress and build resilience.

Accept your feelings. It's normal to feel sad or overwhelmed at times. You might feel as if you need to be brave or tough, but, according to HelpGuide, denying your emotions can make it harder to cope with them. Take a moment to acknowledge what you feel, even if it's unpleasant.

Take control. You might not be able to take charge of every problem. For example, you can't control changes to the economy or the health challenges a family member is facing. Instead, focus on how you respond to those challenges—like hunting for a new job or spending time with a family member who needs support. That can help you move forward, according to HelpGuide. Try this pen-and-paper activity:

1. Jot down the things you can't control.
2. Write down the things you can control.
3. Tell yourself to let go of worries about the things you can't control.
4. Plan your next steps using the list of things you can control.

Look at your past. Take a moment to remember challenges you've faced before. Think about how you got through them. Remind yourself that you've faced tough situations before, and trust that you can do it again. Use the lessons you've learned to help yourself move forward. Even remembering what actions didn't help can prepare you to cope better in the future, says HelpGuide.

Schedule self-care. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stress affects both your mind and your body. Taking care of yourself physically can help you cope. So don't compromise on the things that get you out of bed every day and refuel you. Try to:

• Commit to a regular sleep schedule.
• Block out time for exercise.
• Make time for family and friends.
• Spend time outdoors.
• Schedule time for activities and hobbies you enjoy.

Lean on others. Asking friends and family for help can be what you need to get out of a difficult situation, physically and mentally. Tell someone how you are feeling—and ask how they're doing too. Helping others cope can help you feel less isolated, according to the APA.

Ready to move forward and help others do the same? Share these tips with a friend and check out this guide to helping the teen in your life cope with stress.

Sources

• American Psychological Association. "Building Your Resilience." https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/building-your-resilience.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Coping With Stress." https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/cope-with-stress/index.html.
• HelpGuide. "Surviving Tough Times by Building Resilience." https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/surviving-tough-times.htm.