> **Healthylife** — Healthylife Pharmacy | Your online health destination > [Products](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse) · [Health Hub](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn) > > --- # Emotional resilience what it means and how to build it # resilience Most of us have experienced times in our lives when everything just feels… difficult. We can’t always avoid challenging situations like these, but we can learn how to adapt. Get tips to build your resilience to better handle life’s twists and turns. ![resilience](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/886615c6-2718-4179-8d4a-f27ab6180662/Mobile_Web-Resilience-Banner-LP_1500x1059.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ![resilience](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/83814dbd-3456-491b-9d8d-96d7776aafe1/Desktop_Web-Resilience-Banner-LP_5120x896.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ## What does being resilient mean? Resilience is simply the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, stress or threats. Sometimes, the challenges we face involve cumulative stress – such as family and relationship problems, or serious health, [workplace](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/what-is-workplace-burnout) or financial stressors.  The more emotionally resilient someone is, the better they’ll be able to deal with these sorts of stresses. That’s because emotional resilience is a skill that helps you to accept, process and move forward through challenges.  ![Quote on resilience by Dr Rob McCartney, Occupational & Environmental Physician and healthylife Advisory Board Member.](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/9deee625-2e59-46a1-9ad7-0f37307f35bd/Dr-Rob-McCartney-Resilience-Quote.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ## resilience reads [ mind mind ![How to recognise burnout](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/8cb21698-b440-4264-a318-725416d4c45e/manage-workplace-burnout-thumb.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ![Dr. Rob McCartney](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/8fd6a267-4c90-4cf8-b573-b132ef1b1caf/dr-rob-mccartney.webp?quality=75&auto=format) Dr. Rob McCartney ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-recognise-burnout) [ ### How to recognise burnout ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-recognise-burnout) When it comes to burnout how do we recognise if we are on the path to developing it, or are already there? [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-recognise-burnout) [ mind mind ![Why is mental wellbeing important, and how can I help improve mine?](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/bf99b72a-552a-42bb-baf4-952d2c01082e/why-is-mental-wellbeing-important-thumb.jpg?quality=75&auto=format) ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-is-mental-health-important) [ ### Why is mental wellbeing important, and how can I help improve mine? ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-is-mental-health-important) Sleep affects both our mental and physical wellbeing, but it’s often the first thing we sacrifice when we’re busy and stressed. Discover what else affects mental wellness, and how to help improve yours. [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-is-mental-health-important) [ mind mind ![What is workplace burnout?](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/661a25ca-11ff-47bc-ae68-8bb6c2130033/what-is-workplace-burnout-thumb.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ![Dr. Rob McCartney](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/8fd6a267-4c90-4cf8-b573-b132ef1b1caf/dr-rob-mccartney.webp?quality=75&auto=format) Dr. Rob McCartney ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/what-is-workplace-burnout) [ ### What is workplace burnout? ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/what-is-workplace-burnout) Did you know that not only is burnout a real experience that can devastate workers and cost workplaces, but the World Health Organisation has been telling us to sort it out since 1994? [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/what-is-workplace-burnout) [ mind mind ![How to deal with job loss and stay on top of your health](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/f701701e-8fe0-461a-b261-ec01586d7487/dealing-with-job-loss-thumb.jpg?quality=75&auto=format) ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-deal-with-job-loss) [ ### How to deal with job loss and stay on top of your health ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-deal-with-job-loss) Losing your job is up there with some of life’s most stressful events… but your health doesn’t need to suffer. [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-deal-with-job-loss) [ mind mind ![How to say no without feeling bad](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/e0a73c6f-fecf-40b4-9b24-a6daaaff57ea/saying-no-thumb.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-say-no-to-friends) [ ### How to say no without feeling bad ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-say-no-to-friends) Saying no should be easy, but what if it isn’t? Here’s how to work out what to say to make life less overwhelming. [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-say-no-to-friends) [ mind mind ![Understanding cortisol and stress levels](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/e7ff05dc-65ac-4702-bb97-61e49f08a2d7/cortisol-and-stress-thumb.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/cortisol-and-stress-levels) [ ### Understanding cortisol and stress levels ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/cortisol-and-stress-levels) You may have heard that cortisol and stress levels are related, but there are so many misconceptions around how. [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/cortisol-and-stress-levels) [ mind mind ![Why is self-care important?](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/6fdb7196-345b-4da9-9642-6f9072e5c234/self-care-thumb.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-is-self-care-important) [ ### Why is self-care important? ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-is-self-care-important) Self-care isn’t self indulgent or selfish. But what is self-care and why is it so important? [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-is-self-care-important) [ kids & parenting kids & parenting ![Building resilience in children](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/cec8f4a9-4315-4c0c-b86f-f3e762934572/kids-resilience-thumb.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/resilience-activities-for-kids) [ ### Building resilience in children ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/resilience-activities-for-kids) Want to know how to build resilience in children? This article outlines four key activity areas that can help your kids become more resilient and provide them with important skills they can use throughout their lives. [ read more ](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/resilience-activities-for-kids) Next slidePrevious slide ## download our free guide Get expert insight and advice on upping your resilience, with content from Dr Nikki Stamp. ![download our free guide](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/3af51009-d92d-47a0-a50a-fe19089c6beb/Mobile_Web-Resilience-ebook-Banner-LP_1500x1059.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ![download our free guide](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/3e01c88d-6d32-0086-9f07-7574b3104890/ad536c02-72fc-4221-a4f9-d74405980791/Desktop_Web-Resilience-ebook-Banner-LP_5120x896.webp?quality=75&auto=format) ## How to build resilience Resilience isn’t a personality trait that only a lucky few possess. Anyone can build their resiliency.  The ability to learn resilience is like building muscle. Increasing your resilience takes time and intentionality, but it can be done with consistent practice. Here are 4 helpful ways to build resilience 1. Build your connections: Focus on connecting with empathetic, understanding people. The stronger your connections and [relationships](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/why-are-friendships-so-hard-to-maintain) are, the better you’ll be able to deal with adversity.  2. Foster emotional and mental wellness: Find some time in your week for mindfulness practices like journaling, [yoga](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/morning-yoga-routine), prayer or meditation. But don’t forget that the effects of stress are just as physical as they are emotional. Proper nutrition, ample sleep, [adequate hydration](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/are-drinking-enough-water) and regular exercise can go a long way in boosting resilience.  3. Find a purpose: Being of service to others is a great way to build your confidence, self-worth and sense of purpose. Volunteer for a charity, try to [eat more sustainably](https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/how-to-eat-more-sustainably) or simply by supporting a friend in a time of need. 4. Seek help if you need it: Getting help when you need it is crucial in building your resilience. ## shop self-care Next slidePrevious slide This is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health you should consult with a health professional. --- **About Healthylife**: Find everything you need for a healthy life: Shop over 15,000 curated health products, pharmacy, fact-checked health information, telehealth & health programs. **Useful links**: [Customer Support](https://www.healthylife.com.au/contact-us) · [Browse All](https://www.healthylife.com.au/browse)