If you recognize these 8 behaviors, you have more mental resilience than the average person

There’s a vast difference between simply enduring life’s challenges and bouncing back from them.

That difference is called mental resilience – the ability to adapt to stress and adversity, and come out stronger.

And guess what? You might be more resilient than the average person and not even know it.

Resilience doesn’t always show up in big, obvious ways. Sometimes it’s in the small, everyday behaviors. Things you do without even realizing they’re signs of a mentally strong person.

Want to know if you’re more resilient than you think?

Here are eight behaviors that indicate just that. If you recognize these in yourself, take a bow – you have more mental resilience than the average person.

1) You embrace change

Change is a part of life, but let’s be honest, it’s often uncomfortable.

Yet, here’s the thing about mentally resilient individuals – they don’t just tolerate change, they embrace it.

They understand that life is fluid and that being too rigid can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment.

Instead of resisting change or fearing the unknown, resilient people see change as an opportunity for growth and learning. They adapt to new situations with an open mind and a positive attitude.

So if you’re someone who sees the silver lining in every cloud and takes changes in stride, congratulations!

You’re displaying one of the key behaviors of mental resilience.

Remember, embracing change doesn’t mean being reckless or jumping into situations without thinking. It’s about being flexible and willing to adapt when life throws a curveball your way.

Recognize this in yourself? That’s one point for resilience.

2) You maintain a positive outlook

Now, this is something I can personally vouch for as being a sign of mental resilience.

Some years ago, I faced an unexpected job loss. It was a tough blow and, initially, I was filled with worry and self-doubt.

But then, something switched within me. Instead of dwelling on the negative, I chose to see it as an opportunity. I started focusing on the doors that this setback could potentially open for me.

And that’s exactly what mentally resilient people do. They maintain a positive outlook even in difficult situations.

Sure, they allow themselves to feel the initial sting of disappointment, but they don’t wallow in self-pity.

They pick themselves up, dust off their clothes, and move forward with optimism. They believe that good things will happen, even in tough times.

So if you’re someone who tends to see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re demonstrating another key behavior of mental resilience.

3) You practice self-care

Mentally resilient people understand the importance of taking care of their physical and mental health. They realize that their overall wellbeing plays a crucial role in how they handle stress and adversity.

They carve out time for activities that help them recharge, whether it’s reading a book, going for a run, meditating, or simply taking a leisurely walk in the park. They eat a balanced diet and ensure they’re getting enough sleep.

Here’s something you might not know: according to the National Sleep Foundation, adults who sleep less than eight hours a night are more likely to report symptoms of stress.

So if you’re someone who prioritizes self-care and understands its impact on your mental resilience, well done!

You’re already ahead of the curve.

4) You keep things in perspective

Life is full of ups and downs. That’s a given. But mentally resilient people have a knack for keeping things in perspective.

They understand that bad times are temporary and good times will come again. They don’t blow things out of proportion or let a minor setback ruin their entire day.

Instead, they’re able to step back, look at the bigger picture, and realize that one bad event doesn’t define them or their future.

So if you’re someone who can take a deep breath, reassess the situation, and keep moving forward without losing sight of your overall goals and values, you’re showing another behavior of someone with mental resilience.

Keep it up!

5) You’re not afraid to ask for help

There’s a certain strength in vulnerability. Recognizing when you’re in over your head and not being afraid to reach out for help is a sign of mental resilience.

It’s a common misconception that resilient people do everything on their own. But that’s far from the truth. Resilient people understand that everyone needs support sometimes.

They’re not afraid to lean on their loved ones, seek professional guidance, or even just share their feelings with someone they trust.

So if you’ve ever reached out when you were struggling, know that it’s not a sign of weakness. Quite the contrary – it’s a testament to your strength and resilience.

You’re recognizing your limits and taking steps to overcome them, showing a level of self-awareness and courage that many lack.

Keep going!

6) You learn from your mistakes

I remember a time when I was given the responsibility of leading a project at work. I was excited about the opportunity but also slightly overwhelmed.

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In my eagerness to prove myself, I took on more than I could handle and ended up missing a crucial deadline.

But instead of letting that failure define me, I took it as a learning experience. I analyzed where I went wrong and made sure to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

That’s something mentally resilient people do – they learn from their mistakes instead of letting them deter their progress.

They see every failure as a stepping stone towards success, an opportunity to grow and improve.

So if you’re someone who can look back at your mistakes and use them to propel yourself forward, you’ve got another key behavior of mental resilience down. Keep learning, keep growing!

7) You set boundaries

Mental resilience isn’t just about how you handle adversity – it’s also about preventing unnecessary stress in the first place.

And one way resilient people do this is by setting boundaries. They know their limits and aren’t afraid to communicate them to others.

Whether it’s saying no to an additional task at work when their plate is already full, or distancing themselves from negative influences, they prioritize their mental well-being.

So if you’re someone who can stand your ground and set healthy boundaries, you’re displaying yet another behavior of mental resilience. Keep setting those boundaries and protecting your peace!

8) You practice gratitude

Research has shown that practicing gratitude can have a significant impact on feelings of hope and happiness. And guess what? Mentally resilient people know this.

They make a conscious effort to acknowledge the good in their lives, even in tough times. They understand that focusing on what they’re grateful for helps them to stay positive and keep things in perspective.

So if you’re someone who regularly counts your blessings and focuses on the positive, congratulations!

You’re demonstrating the most important behavior of mental resilience. Keep cherishing the good in your life!

Reflection: The power of resilience

The spectrum of human strength is broad and varied, but resilience is a strength that often goes unnoticed. It’s the quiet force that keeps you moving forward, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Resilience is not just about weathering the storm, it’s about learning to dance in the rain. It’s the ability to find light in the darkest corners and to rise every time we fall.

If you’ve recognized these eight behaviors in yourself, take a moment to appreciate your mental resilience. Understand that it’s a testament to your strength and your ability to adapt and overcome.

And if you didn’t see yourself in all of these behaviors, that’s okay too. Remember, resilience isn’t something you’re born with or without – it can be nurtured and developed over time.

So take this moment as an opportunity for self-reflection. Embrace your strengths, learn from your weaknesses, and remember – every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards becoming a more resilient person.

Keep going. You’ve got this.

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Isabelle Chase

Isabella Chase, a New York City native, writes about the complexities of modern life and relationships. Her articles draw from her experiences navigating the vibrant and diverse social landscape of the city. Isabella’s insights are about finding harmony in the chaos and building strong, authentic connections in a fast-paced world.

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