Power balls, Pebbles and Play Doh - What do they all have in common?
Being resilient isn’t just about bouncing back, being rigidly rock-solid, or marvellously malleable.
At Wrenwell we believe resilience is about sustaining good health and managing pressure. It is a blend of bounce, strength and flexibility. Natural resilience is not something that some people have and others do not - we all have natural and inbuilt resources that we can draw upon.
The skill to developing our innate resilience is to recognise what impacts on our ability to bounce back, and to call upon coping strategies that are readily available. Those strategies may be different for each and every one of us, but will provide the right elements to improve our resilience under pressure.
Be more Power Ball – manage energy levels
Sugary snacks will help to create dips in our energy levels. So feed the mind and body with fuel sustaining foods like eggs, nuts, whole grains, and fresh fruit. Wash it down with plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to poor cognitive function and feeling fatigued.
Take a break to rest the mind and body. Put down that phone, come away from the computer and engage in something relaxing. Listen to music. Read a magazine. Sit outside and take in the present moment. Nourish your mind and body with rest.
Be more Pebble – maintain strength
Don’t sit in the office all day. Get outside into the daylight and top up those vitamin D levels to maintain muscle and bone strength. A short walk and a breath of fresh air can relieve physical tension and clear that muddled mind.
Be more Play-Doh – get creative
When we feel like we are pushing against a brick wall it may be time to get creative. Take what is already in place and try a different approach.
Don’t do it alone. Your network, friends and family will have great skills, so find support and ask for help.
What about at work?
In the workplace we need to develop team resilience to work more effectively and increase productivity. This works when we recognise and understand each other’s strengths.
Maggie Newton at Red Clematis Coaching Services facilitates DISC profiling workshops which enable individuals to understand their own and others personality styles. DISC profiling is an excellent way to help workplace teams identify their differences and strengths.
About the author:
Maggie Clinton is the Founder and Director of Wrenwell Health and Wellbeing Ltd. http://www.wrenwell.co.uk/ As a qualified occupational therapist, and experienced trainer, she has a broad range of experience specialising in mental health and wellbeing. Maggie works with SME’s, and large organisations, to improve productivity by supporting employees to be healthy at work.
