When stress is a part of life, start by being aware

Resiliency doesn't mean you are free from struggles or stress. It means engaging in ongoing stress management practices and being prepared to withstand hardships with an ability to bounce back from adversity and grow despite life's challenges.

Increase your resiliency by simply noticing patterns and identifying how you're feeling. Some specific strategies:

• Listen to your body. Recognize signs like increased heart rate and clenched teeth, indicating you may be stressed.
• Write it down. Make a list of physical, behavioral and emotional responses. This gives you a moment to measure your reaction and pause before a response.
• Reflect. Understand what your mind is telling you during stress. Ask if the threat is real or whether stress is leading to irrational thoughts. Simply recognizing those thoughts will give you perspective.