I think it's safe to say, we've been in unusual times for the past few years.

 

Even if you've not been directly impacted, I've found people to be more anxious, on edge, overwhelmed, and generally stressed.

 

There is uncertainty and fear of the future.

 

We can't predict what will happen in the next 12 months, but there is something we can rely upon when times get tough.

 

Here are 3 wellbeing markers that help during tough times.

 

1. Resilience:

 

Resilience is our ability to withstand and recover quickly from challenges.

 

Resilience comes naturally when our personal wellbeing is high.

 

Resilience isn't the absence of feeling bad, resilient people feel awful and still do what's important in the course of the day. Resilience is the ability to handle uncomfortable feelings.

 

Challenges provide the opportunity to strengthen our resilience.

 

2. Dealing with negative emotions

 

Challenges can trigger heavy emotions such as fear, anxiety, dread, panic, anger, guilt, or shame.

 

It's our ability to tolerate feeling bad while still doing what's important during the course of the day. It's not stoically enduring everything life has thrown at you no matter what.

 

I've never had a negative feeling last a lifetime. There are some situations when my mind won't let go and the feeling has lasted longer, but most don't even last the day.

 

Negative emotions don't last. Our feelings are always changing (even happy ones), and we can take comfort in the fact that no matter how bad we feel, it will change.

 

3. Mental wellbeing

 

Mental wellbeing isn’t the absence of anxiety or depression. It's our ability to cope with daily stresses and realise our highest potential.  

 

We're all somewhere along the mental wellbeing continuum, from serious anxiety or depression, right up to peak performance.

 

I used to see mental wellbeing as purely psychological health, but it's also how much joy we experience. It's reflected in our ability to have fulfilling relationships and deep connections, to be productive, and to successfully adapt to change.

 

It's our wellbeing that is the foundation of our quality of life and provides the resources for coping with challenges.