The Greatest Generation—there’s a reason those born between 1901 and 1927 have that title, and perhaps resilience is that reason. They had to sacrifice and overcome the Great Depression and World War II.
There are so many of us who have also lived through—or are currently living through—broad economic crises, racial injustice, poverty, war, pandemics, political division, and personal battles. As the saying goes, you never know what someone is going through, but we can understand that we’re all going through something, have gone through something, or will face challenges ahead. Resilience may be just the thing that can get us through these times.
While on a quick getaway this summer to Gardiner, NY, I came across an article in The Epoch Times titled “How Resilient Minds are Built.” What I learned is that resilience can be built at any age.
Research has been conducted with Navy SEALs and Green Berets, as well as athletes and regular folks like you and me. It showed that resilience isn’t about avoiding stress, but about recovering well from stress.
According to one study, adults 65 and older with medium to high resilience levels had 30% lower annual healthcare spending.
So how do we become more resilient? Here’s what the research revealed:
- Good sleeping habits
- Proper nutrition
- Regular exercise
- Positive, healthy, productive, supportive relationships
- Finding small victories and building on them
- Eliminating negative self-talk (like “I’m an idiot”)—P.S., you are unique and wonderful, and I’m so glad to be on this earth with you at the same time!
- Learning to say “The future will be okay, and I will do what is necessary”
We can do this! One step at a time, and we must keep at it. Hard times are going to come either way. Let’s be resilient together.
What will you start with to make yourself more resilient? I am going to start with my version of the last one: “The future will be okay, and I will do what is necessary—God’s got my back.”
And remember, when you’re trying to get the best care for yourself or a loved one, Care Answered is here. We get healthcare DONE.