June 14, 2022 BY WorkSocial Press and Editorial
The pandemic changed life as we know it, with people isolating and weathering the storm of the pandemic – primarily alone or with an intimate circle of family and friends. The concepts of resilience and survival were turned on their heads, and people felt they had to go it alone. But before a deep dive into building resilience, it is pertinent to ask… What is resilience?
Resilience can be defined as an individual’s ability to adapt to their circumstances and “bounce back” from situations that hamper the journey to their ultimate goals.
From this definition alone, it is clear that resilience is a subjective concept and can hold myriad meanings. However, one thing is clear… one must be resilient to progress. It would be overreaching to say that an individual can be resilient in all fields of their life. But there are fields well-within control, such as professional and work environments.
Workspaces give an individual a chance to find positive, resilient role models, engage in social interactions, and diversify their social circle. Resilience in the workplace has a trickle-down effect. A resilient employee works better, can handle tasks more effectively, and contributes to a better work environment. Coworking spaces, such as WorkSocial, allow interaction with people from all walks of life – each of whom brings diverse experiences to the table. In turn, such social interactions can improve an individual’s resilience and ability to handle situations.
‘Resilience’ isn’t a linear construct and encompasses attitudes, thoughts, and actions. Here are a few days to build resilience while keeping these avenues in mind.
Create a list of goals outside of the ones stipulated by work. It can overlap with work but should be geared towards personal development – even in the workplace. For example – a goal can be to be more communicative with coworkers.
It is vital to depend on coworkers for support – both for work-related guidance and emotional reinforcement. However, it is essential to be attentive while choosing said support systems. Be mindful of their behaviors, commitments to work, and the kind of support they provide.
Being resilient has much to do with health – both mental and physical. An overworked individual is in no place to stand tall against challenges thrown at them each day. Be aware of limitations and be realistic about timelines.
Not all stress is the same. Good stress, or ‘eudaemonic stress,’ is a motivational factor that leads to peak performance. Bad stress, or ‘distress,’ does the opposite and leads to health issues and burnout over time. Keep the stress to a minimum and focus on the good.
Taking a break isn’t limited to a stretch and a cup of coffee. It also involves switching the mind off and indulging in something like a short walk or a brief moment of meditation.
As the name suggests, being mindful refers to being engaged and aware of thoughts and actions. It is acting after thinking rather than reacting thoughtlessly. Mindfulness toward others and having conscious interactions helps build a resilient self.
Physical health affects mental health and vice versa. Along with being mindful and giving the mind a break… do the same for the body. Exercise and nourish the body, and the mind will follow.
In the wake of the pandemic, most employees have shifted to working from home. As a result, people find themselves disengaging from others and working solo. In such cases, working from a coworking space is beneficial as it facilitates interaction and allows for meaningful engagements. A sense of community resilience comes into play where no individual tackles unpleasant feelings alone. People working beside each other also have the opportunity to share collective learnings and provide support to each other.
Listening to guided meditations and an effective way to combat stress. An alternative is to take a short walk outside before returning to work.
Those who have difficulties being resilient may find that minor issues or problems bother them; they often fixate on the problem rather than the solution or feel burnt out and cranky.
A surefire way to build resilience is to build meaningful relationships. This can be with friends, family, coworkers, or even new people. Meaningful engagements add a sense of purpose to life.
Set an intention for the day first thing in the morning – it ensures that you spend your day with purpose. Another simple way to be mindful is to enjoy eating mindfully. Switch off distractions and focus on your food.
Sources –
https://hbr.org/2016/06/627-building-resilience-ic-5-ways-to-build-your-personal-resilience-at-work
https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/resilience-in-the-workplace/
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