Small changes that can make a big difference

For many of us, this has been the most challenging year of our lives. We are living through huge uncertainty, with lockdowns and restrictions often keeping us away from the people we love. It has never been more important for us to take care of our mental health to deal with and adapt to these challenges.

Our ability to adapt well to the stress of life, as well as being able to bounce back from adversity, crises or trauma, is often referred to as emotional resilience. 

We aren’t born resilient and it isn’t a fixed personality trait, it is something we all can learn and improve over our lifetime. Strong relationships are really important for building resilience. So is exercise and doing things that you enjoy.

Thrive LDN has worked with Dr Radha Modgil - a practising NHS GP, broadcaster & campaigner for wellbeing – to develop a short training film to help strengthen emotional resilience through positive strategies, which are tried and tested by Londoners like you.

Resilience starts with focusing on what you can control, essential when we are surrounded by so much uncertainty. The training tool will take you through different things you can do and simple techniques for ‘topping up’ your resilience, including:

• Connecting with yourself, reflecting, building resilience through difficult situations
• Seeking out activities that bring joy (for example, music and arts, creative writing)
• Connecting with others and reaching out for support (either through family, friends or wider community or faith groups)
• Connecting with the environment through green spaces
• Volunteering
• Finding different ways to keep active
• Practicing self-care and prioritising sleep

In just 20 minutes, we hope that you can find just one or two simple strategies and ideas that will work for you. Take part at www.thriveldn.co.uk/emotionalresilience.

Need further support?

There's lots of self-help resources to help you to make small changes that can make a big difference to your every day, such as those promoted by Thrive LDN. These include NHS-approved apps to help reduce anxiety (many of which are free if you live or work in London).  See their website above for more details.

If you're finding things difficult and want a listening ear or support for something you're struggling with e.g. debt, housing issues, bereavement, getting a break if you're an unpaid carer (and lots more) you can call the Age UK Islington helpline on 020 7281 6018 or email gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk.

We can also help you to find social connections through our online Get Together activities and partner befriending schemes.