How to build resilience in your everyday life
31 January 2020 at 4:14 pm
It could help you do your job better
Being resilient at work is about more than just being able to bounce back from a stressful week.
Resilient people are flexible, optimistic, proactive in asking for help and they learn from experience – all great attributes employers look out for.
Factors including personality types and genetics will make building resilience harder for some, which is totally fine and out of your control.
But according to Marcia Harkins, Beyond Blue’s acting general manager of workplace, partnerships, and engagement, there are some easy steps you can take to build resilience at work and at home that can protect and enhance mental health.
Step back to step up
Setting boundaries, pacing yourself at work, and actually taking your holiday leave will help slowly build up those resilience skills.
“While in the office, take the regular breaks you’re entitled to and keep important meetings scheduled to core working hours, so you can protect your personal time,” Marcia says.
“Remember that sometimes, it’s perfectly OK to say ‘no’ when you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
Keep it up when you go home
Staying back an extra hour each day, or always taking work home with you is hard not to do if you’re in a demanding job. But being strict with yourself on these things will help you reset for the next day at work.
“It’s important to limit working extra hours and avoiding taking work home with you wherever possible,” she explains.
“Ask yourself if you really need to be contactable and sending emails from home – a technology switch-off is a great way to reset your focus at home.”
Check out Beyond Blue’s Heads Up for a whole bunch of tips and ideas on building resilience at work.
