“Resilience” has become somewhat of a buzzword in the mental health community, but what does it mean to have physical and mental resilience? The mental and physical aspects of human existence are quite intertwined. Let’s take a closer look at 5 things you can do every day to build your physical and mental resilience below.

Practice Self-Compassion

When we face fears and difficulties, it’s common to feel alone. We might wonder why we’re the “only ones” dealing with these feelings and what might be “wrong” with us. In such moments, being kind to ourselves and recognizing that everyone faces tough times can help guide us toward a gentler and more effective journey of healing. In other words, treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you’d normally extend to others.

Meditate

It may sound a little hokey, but meditation can be extremely restorative — both for your mental and physical health. We’d recommend spending five or ten minutes a day meditating. This means focusing on your breathing and letting your thoughts wash over you without judging them. This is going to take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be meditating (and building resilience) like a pro!

Forgive

Are your grudges holding you back? If so, you may want to forgive and forget. Recent research suggests that actively cultivating forgiveness could significantly improve both your mental and physical health. It’s worth it because letting go of resentment and embracing forgiveness might lead to a greater sense of emotional well-being (as well as contribute to your physical wellness).

Practice Mindfulness, Not Mindlessness

Mindfulness, as you may have guessed, is the opposite of mindlessness. In a nutshell, practicing mindfulness means observing the present moment and letting your thoughts flow through you without judgment. Mindfulness also requires letting go of both your past and future concerns. After all, you can’t control them, and you’ll be much happier living in the moment (at least for a little while).

Learn New Skills

This could be a wonderful way to uncover your hidden passions and discover new hobbies that bring you joy. It’s also a great way to build resilience (i.e. if you become better at problem-solving, you’ll be more likely to be able to overcome certain challenges at work). You always have time to learn a new skill, even if it doesn’t feel like it. All you have to do is get started!