Resilience: Navigate your storms and walk away stronger.
A very important skill that will help you cope during stressful change and adversity.
Description
“On the other side of a storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sail and begin.”
― Gregory S. Williams
“No one escapes pain, fear, and suffering. Yet from pain can come wisdom, from fear can come courage, from suffering can come strength - if we have the virtue of resilience.”
― Eric Greitens, Resilience
In today’s ever-changing world, resilience is one of the most important qualities to have and develop. Resilience refers to people’s ability to get back their strength, their health, their energy, etc., after experiencing setbacks. They can bounce back and experience change, adversity, and setbacks as positive challenges, where they have a choice how to react, regardless of the situation. This implies that you can emerge from adversity stronger and even more resourceful. Improving your resilience allows you to bounce back from adversity, enhancing your ability to cope with life’s challenges and setbacks. Learning to forgive and let go liberates you from the burden of holding onto negative emotions, promoting emotional healing and personal growth. This holistic approach to well-being cultivates inner peace, mental clarity, and a greater capacity for joy, enabling you to embrace life with a renewed sense of optimism and fulfilment.
We live in a society where the focus is often on developing our intellectual and physical abilities. However, we need many more skills to function effectively on a day-to-day basis. In our work, we often encounter very intelligent people who struggle to control their emotions, to build meaningful relationships, to assert themselves with confidence, who cannot cope with stress, resolve conflict or deal with disappointments.
We are two facilitators for this course, Drs Ronél le Roux and Rina de Klerk-Weyer, who both have a Ph.D. We did therapy in our private practices before we realised that it is very important to work pro-actively. Working in this way means that we teach and guide people in learning important life skills that they will be able to use in their personal and professional lives. People who have these skills can apply it before and while they experience problems in their lives.
We are passionate to share our wisdom and years of experience with you.
In this course we look at
1. what resilience really is,
2. the emotional and cognitive phases you go through while experiencing a setback/disappointment/difficult change/adversity,
3. how to cope with a setback and how to let go,
4. the characteristics of a resilient person,
5. how to develop your own resilience as a crucial skill for the rest of your life and
6. a few examples of resilience in everyday life.
We also focus on
1. what stress is,
2. how to measure your own stress, stressors, influence of stress on your wellbeing (using as very effective questionnaire),
3. the negative effect of stress on your health and general functioning.
In the last part of the course, we discuss:
1. how uncertainty, insecurity and confusion may lead to worry, fear, anxiety and panic,
2. how to cope with worry as a cause and result of stress,
3. what anxiety is,
4. how to distinguish between anxiety and panic and
5. how to cope with a panic attack.
Being resilient in an often-cruel world can offer numerous benefits. Here are some key advantages:
Psychological well-being: Resilience helps individuals maintain their mental and emotional well-being in the face of adversity. It enables them to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through challenges, and maintain a positive outlook. Resilient people tend to experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to improved overall psychological health.
Adaptability: Resilience allows individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate difficult situations effectively. Rather than being overwhelmed by adversity, resilient individuals can assess the situation, identify potential solutions, and make necessary adjustments. They are more open to learning from setbacks and can quickly pivot and find new paths forward.
Increased problem-solving skills: Resilience fosters problem-solving abilities. When faced with challenges, resilient individuals are more likely to approach them as opportunities for growth and development. They tend to think creatively, generate alternative solutions, and persistently work towards finding resolutions. This enhanced problem-solving capacity can be valuable in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, work environments, and decision-making.
Enhanced self-confidence: Resilience nurtures self-confidence and self-efficacy. When individuals overcome difficulties and setbacks, they develop a sense of competence and belief in their ability to handle future challenges. This increased self-assurance empowers individuals to take risks, pursue goals, and face new experiences with greater determination and optimism.
Improved relationships: Resilience positively impacts interpersonal relationships. Resilient individuals are better equipped to manage conflicts, communicate effectively, and maintain healthy boundaries. They can navigate difficult interactions, demonstrate empathy towards others, and offer support when needed. Resilience also enables individuals to develop and maintain social connections, fostering a stronger support network.
Success and achievement: Resilience is often associated with increased success and achievement. Individuals who can persevere through adversity are more likely to accomplish their goals and fulfil their potential. Resilient individuals possess a growth mindset and view setbacks as temporary obstacles rather than permanent failures. They are motivated to continue striving for success despite encountering hurdles along the way.
Physical health benefits: Resilience has been linked to better physical health outcomes. Managing stress effectively and maintaining a positive outlook can lead to improved immune function, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. Resilient individuals tend to engage in healthier behaviours, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, which further contribute to their physical well-being.
Developing resilience is an asset that can help individuals navigate life's challenges and thrive in the face of adversity.
What You Will Learn!
- Students will learn: 1. what resilience is and how to be resilient in the face of and adversity.
- 2. They will learn what stress is and how to cope with their own stress.
- 3. They will learn how to bounce back from any setback and have compassion for themselves.
- 4. In the last part they will learn about worry and how to make sure that it does not lead to anxiety and panic.
Who Should Attend!
- This is a very important life skill for everyone. We are all often confronted with stressful situations, adversity, difficult changes and setbacks. The skill to be aware of your stress and to cope with it, is crucial in today's world. Resilience is an inner strength which everyone can improve and learn.