Best 5 Resilience Resources in Times of Uncertainty
Resilience Resources
A wealth of resilience resources were created in the first few weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown. I thought you might appreciate having some of the best in one place. Although they were created for lockdown and Covid-19 times, almost all of them are useful in any difficult times.
1. Use your natural strengths–VIA Institute
The VIA institute shows how to use your own strengths and resources to build resilience. https://www.viacharacter.org/covidcare There are mindfulness sessions, articles, videos, exercises and poems. (one of them is below). Here is one of the exercises https://www.viacharacter.org/resources/social-downloads/three-good-things
2. Look for the Greater Good
One of my favourite sites for helpful science-based resilience resources is the Greater Good website from the University of Berkeley, California. The articles are based on research and written by experts in an easy to read format. There are quizzes, exercises, articles and videos. Here’s a link to some of the best
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/helping_others_can_help_you_cope_with_lockdown
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/when_coronavirus_anxiety_is_useful
3. Mindfulness
This is so useful at stressful times to help you cope. And at good times to help build resilience resources for the bad times. The Awake Network keep updating their page of free online meditation resources. Now is a great time to try out meditation. Tara Brach says
“When we are lost in the forest, we can create a clearing simply by pausing and turning from our clamouring thoughts to become aware of our moment-to-moment experience.”
Recently I discovered a great magazine, Lion’s Roar. The articles are short, to the point and useful. I particularly liked this one on trying to stay afloat when you feel overwhelmed.
4. MedIntu
I found out about MedIntu, when they asked me to do a series on having conversations, not confrontations. Check out their YouTube channel to get some great resilience resources. For example, this one on Sleep. The videos are half an hour long. For some short cuts try my quick tips videos at 1-3 minutes.
5. Finally, Kindness
It’s not just in times of stress that we need kindness. However, in hard times, kindness is essential. As John Sturrock mediator says
“We need to continue to find ways to offer hope and help. To do that, we must continue to communicate. And if we are not sure what to say, let’s just say the kindest thing.”
The Random Acts of Kindness website provides a range of resilience resources. They range from Fun Acts of Kindness, links to museum exhibitions, colouring pages , kindness calendars and so much more. https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
PS: Masks
My sister sent me a great video which shows how a hospital is doing what it can. It comes with a downloadable pdf pattern and instructions. I started making masks for my daughter in London. She asked if I would do some for her friends. I got addicted and really enjoy doing it. I use wild colours as well as more sedate ones.
Although I am not a great seamstress, I’ve made 34 so far. It isn’t a replacement for PPE, but much better than nothing. Doing something that helps yourself and others is a great way to build up your resilience resources, as well as your stock of masks!
It’s not just enough to have a mask–you need to use it properly.
Here are some guidelines
Cloth Masks : Wash before use and wash regularly.
The mask should cover your nose and chin.
Put it on before you go out and take it off when you come in.
Do not push it up or down. (see more guidance in the NY Times article below)
Put on and take off using elastics. Don’t touch the front of the mask.
It will be slightly stuffy—that shows it is working.
Masks: a great article from the NY Times
Stay safe and be kind.
