Resilience is a form of toughness and adaptability critical to succeeding in your classes and, later on, in your career. Many adult learners face unique pressures and hardships. The more resilient you are, the more you will persist and succeed in overcoming these obstacles to achieve your goals.
This blog introduces five aspects of resilience and their importance for college students. In the coming months, our blogs will explore each one further, offering advice and inspiration to grow your resilience.
The 5 Traits and Practices of Resilient People
1. Self-Care
Self-care encompasses everything you do to maintain and improve your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It includes exercising regularly, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, engaging in hobbies, and finding time to relax. Self-care can replenish our energy. It reduces stress and prevents burnout. When you prioritize self-care, you can better show up as your best self and bounce back from challenges in your classes, work, and personal life.
2. Purpose
The most resilient people are those who have a purpose. A purpose is what you want to accomplish in your life. It is the why behind your actions. When you are clear on your purpose, you pursue activities and goals you find meaningful. Whether you're working toward your degree or applying for jobs, knowing your purpose can give you a reason to persevere through the ups and downs. A purpose provides direction and motivation. It helps you focus on long-term goals and leads to feelings of fulfillment. By aligning your actions with your values and passions, you create a deeper connection to the world and a stronger foundation for overcoming difficulty.
3. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being fully present and engaged in the current moment. You not only notice what is around you, but you also pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. You accept each thought and feeling with curiosity rather than judging it as good or bad. Mindfulness can help you manage your emotions and anxiety, making your days calmer and more peaceful. It can prevent overthinking and worrying. Being mindful can also help you be a better listener and problem-solver.
4. Positive Relationships
Positive relationships are connections with people who provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. These relationships might include family, friends, community members, colleagues, classmates, and faculty. Forming and maintaining positive relationships creates a network you can rely on. These people offer emotional support, assistance, and different perspectives during good times and bad. Feeling connected to others and knowing you are not alone can help you cope and recover from adversity.
5. Self-Awareness
Self-awareness involves understanding your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as your strengths and areas for growth. It is a critical component of emotional intelligence and resilience. By being self-aware, you can figure out your stressors and triggers. You can see which coping mechanisms work and which fail. This understanding will let you control your reactions more effectively and make choices that match your values and goals. Self-awareness makes it easier to learn from your past and continually improve and grow.
Putting It All Together at South University
South University is committed to encouraging and developing resilience in our students for their education and professional future. This commitment is at the heart of our five-year Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which we created using input from students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
As a South University student, you will learn about self-care, purpose, mindfulness, positive relationships, and self-awareness. These discussions will happen early and often, beginning in two first-year courses: Strategies for Success and Introduction to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Online and on-campus, our webinars, guest speakers, and workshops will share best practices and tools for navigating adversity and building resilience.
To learn more about South University and how we support our students, request information today!
