Do you Adapt to Change or Fight it?

Change is a fact of life. It happens all around us, every day. If you learn to rely on your resiliency and flexibility, new changes don't have to impact you in a negative way.

What is resiliency?

Resiliency refers to your ability to bounce back from and successfully adapt to adversity or change in your life. When you're resilient, your inner strength allows you to rebound from a setback or challenge such as an injury, illness or eating one too many slices of pizza. Being resilient helps you learn from past problems or challenges, find enjoyment in your life and better handle the stress that is part of our day to day experiences.

Features of resiliency

Are you a resilient person? Experts on this topic have identified five characteristics of resiliency.

Think Positive — When you are positive, you see life as challenging, dynamic and filled with opportunities.
Stay Focused — Focus by determining where you are headed in life and then stick to that goal so you don't allow barriers to block your way.
Respond with Flexibility — Being flexible means you are open to different possibilities when faced with uncertainty.
Be Organized — Organize yourself by developing structured approaches to be able to manage the unknown.
Engage Proactively — Rather than reacting to change, be proactive by looking ahead, actively engaging in change and working with it.

Characteristics of a Resilient Person

Awareness – in order to understand why you do the things you do, first understand the root and where it came from.
Strong problem-solving skills that allow you to calmly and rationally look at a problem, like gaining a few pounds, and come up with a solution.
Strong social connections that enable you to surround yourself with those who offer their support in and out of challenging times.
The ability to identify yourself as a survivor, not a victim. Life may cause you to miss a workout here or there, but don't get discouraged. Find ways to thrive when things get in your way.
The ability to ask for help when you need it. Ask your spouse or a co-worker for a little added support.

Learn how to fit health into your schedule as a tool to build resiliency, with tips on how to maximize your time.

Strengthen your resiliency

Being resilient doesn't make your problems go away, but it can give you the ability to see past them. If you find yourself being overwhelmed with what life is tossing your way, increase your resiliency with these tips.

Get connected. Build strong relationships with friends and loved ones so you'll have the support and acceptance you need when going to the gym is the last thing on your mind.
Make today meaningful. Do something that gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose each day. Having trouble incorporating fruits and veggies? Eat 5-6 servings today and get inspired to continue.
Learn from your experiences. How have you coped with setbacks in the past? Use those skills and strategies as a foundation to strengthen your healthy habits today.
Keep hope alive. You can't change what has happened in the past, but you can look forward to the future. When you can accept change and learn from it, it makes it easier to view new challenges with less anxiety.
Take care of yourself. Take care of your own needs and feelings. Do things you enjoy. Incorporate physical activity into your day to increase your endorphins, eat healthy foods to fuel your mind and body, get plenty of rest and journal about what you want in life and the things and people who inspire you. The more you take care of yourself and understand what's important to you, the more resilient you'll become.

Abbott has the programs to help you incorporate healthy lifestyle changes to help you take care of yourself and build your resiliency.

Talk to a Health Coach who can work with you to create a plan to get your health back on track. Health Coaches understand the obstacles you face when it comes to making healthy choices in your work and personal life. To learn more about the confidential Health Coaching program, call Healthways at (877) 292-1373 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to Midnight ET, and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET).