When you take a look at the state of things in the world right now, you quickly realize that it takes great strength to stand and live a meaningful life.
In fact data shows that, both as individuals and nations, we are so stressed today than at any other period in history.
Just to give you an idea, according to a compilation of data by disturbmenot:
- Between 75 – 90 percent of doctor visits in the US is in some way related to stress.
- 49 percent of young adults (aged 18 – 24) experience high levels of stress.
- 60 percent of adults resort to drinking as a way to escape stressful life events.
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t helped matters:
According to recent research published by the American Psychological Association (APA), the coronavirus pandemic has significantly increased our stress levels.
The study, based on a survey of 3,013 adults in the United States, found that people are now reporting the most significant increase in stress levels for the very first time since the APA started conducting its stress research in 2007.
According to the study:
- While the average reported stress level in 2019 was 4.9, it has gone up to 5.9 on a 10-point scale due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Stress levels are particularly higher for parents with children: with the average stress level of parents with children under the age of 18 being 6.7.
- 46 percent of parents report having a high stress level (ranging between 8 – 10 on a 10-point scale).
So when we look at what is happening and the available data on our increasingly stressed state, it becomes clear that we need to develop resilience now more than ever.
So what does science say about developing resilience? Here are some ideas:
1. Develop an Exercise Routine: Studies upon studies have established that regular exercise not only helps control our stress levels, but they can also help develop resilience.
According to a 2014 study published in the journal frontiers in Psychology, regular exercise has been found to help with developing emotional resilience to acute stress in adults.
Another study published in the Journal of Neuroscience takes things a step further: the study found that regular exercise actually reorganizes the brain in a way that helps develop more resilience towards stressors. When exposed to a stressor, there is a spike in the activity of neurons in the brain which shuts off excitement in the ventral hippocampus and regulates anxiety.
Of course, the current reality makes it clear that it can be a bit difficult to have an active exercise life due to COVID-19 restrictions: gyms have been shut down, movement restricted, and there is a limit to sports and exercise activities that you can do as a result. Notwithstanding, there are a lot of exercises you can do to keep your brain and body active from the comfort of your home and as a result further build your resilience. You only have to be creative.
