Resilience and Optimism

Resilience and Optimism are considered characteristics of people who anticipate good outcomes as likely outcomes.  The opposite of resilience /optimism is non- resilient/pessimistic, which is fueled by the belief in an inability to figure out how to overcome a situation and assumes negative outcomes are more likely. Scientific evidence suggests that resilience/optimism contributes to good mental and physical health.

Resilience and Optimism helps to improve health in several ways: It reduces the sense of helplessness that can set in during times of great stress typically in situations when people feel out of control, resilience enhances  an optimistic perspective that inspires a person to take seek a positive constructive action from an inner resource by creating and following new beneficial patterns such as a health regimen, or seeking health advice, as well addressing things immediately before they become entrenched or overwhelming, resilient optimists more frequently engage in Social supports and insulates a person from total isolation and loneliness.

Resilience and optimism enhance the body at a physical level by influencing the immune system; while pessimists more often than not have reduce immune systems partially because their system is pre occupied with worry, anxiety, and fear.

Resilience is an action as part of a  response mechanism:

"Response"  is guided by clear assessment of choices and outcomes.

"Reaction" is an autopilot mechanism that happens without a clear assessment of choices and outcomes. It is generally tied to past reactions or Family patterns that you witnessed and so it becomes woven into your nervous system.

Physical resilience means to be able to recover more quickly than someone who is excessively stressed or worried.

Emotional resilience is the ability to move through difficult emotional issues such as anger, anxiety, and depression despite difficult and stressful life events with supports because the person is aware of their internal states and manage those states, and are even comfortable seeking help before they get out of hand.

Mental resilience  includes a set of attitudes and clarity about the self their role and personal self-direction in life. This enables a person to cope more efficiently and effectively.

Here are some signs of the impact of chronic stress:

Physical Signs:

 Headaches, insomnia, muscle aches, lethargy, migraines, gastrointestinal problems, loss of appetite, lowered immunity to sickness, disease,  dragging yourself out of bed in the morning, unexplained muscles aches and pains.

Behavioral Signs

• The way you behave and react to others in social situations changes:

• Withdrawing from your daily tasks or

• Blame others for your feelings of frustration,

• Coping with your stress by use of  alcohol, drugs or other forms of addiction,

•  Making poor decisions in life, relationships, work

• Procrastinating or ignoring responsibilities,

• Arriving late

• Leaving early

• Skipping or forgetting major responsibilities.

Mental and Emotional Signs

• Impacted emotional well-being

• Reduced ability to focus and concentrate,

• Memory loss,

• Decreased creativity, 

• Overwhelming feelings of sadness,

• Sense of failure,

• Isolation,

• Self-doubt,

• Loss of motivation,

• Detachment,

• Depersonalization

• Negative or pessimistic outlook on one’s work and home life.

Do you recognize any of these issues?

If so see if these questions help you sort out some things.

• What supports you in your daily life?

• What is your greatest fear?

• What do you need to be happy?

• What part of your life are your most satisfied?

• What is missing in your life?

• Which area of your life would you most like to see change?

• What brings you joy?

Let me know!

To your well being,

The Tao Report

Dr. Susan Russell