Going through stressful situations calmly and confidently is achieved through inner strength and inner peace - through good resilience. This is the general ability to recover from emotional challenges and maintain focus and concentration. But resilience also describes the regeneration time needed to return to a relaxed state after a setback or a stressful situation. Resilience is promoted by good social relationships.
This is why an empathetic and appreciative relationship is so important, especially in difficult times.
Why social relationships are so important and how they strengthen our resilience
Being able laughing together, having a shoulder to lean on in difficult times and having someone next to us who understands us and whatever we have on our soul: relationships are an essential part of our lives. They help to strengthen our resilience, our inner resistance and calmness, especially in stressful situations, in order to remain calm and confident. And it is exactly this inner calmness that enables us to maintain good contact with ourselves at all times.
Findings of the "Grant Study"
The American scientific study "The Harvard Grant Study" throws new light on the subject of resilience. The study, which began in the 1950s, still accompanies graduates of Harvard University born between 1939 and 1945. The central question of the study: What constitutes a happy life?
Based on lifestyle factors as well as social and relationship status, the world's longest-running study revealed an interesting finding: the strongest resilience factor in a person's life is healthy relationships.
Togetherness in challenging times
The strict contact restrictions, working in the home office and the intense togetehrness at home have been a huge challenge over the past weeks and months. But this is exactly what we should become aware of at this point: Good relationships are one of the most important factors in getting through difficult times well.
If we have someone to talk with, someone who is simply there for us, who accepts us as we are, it is precisely this support that sustainably reinforces us. However, relationships are often characterized by little or non-empathic communication and resulting conflicts. This costs an enormous amount of energy - professionally and privately.
Managing relationships well
How do you meet your fellow humans, friends and family? How do you pay attention to your relationships? Do conflicts occur more often and how are they resolved? One of the most important foundations of a good relationship is self-awareness. Only if I am aware of myself, I can also be mindful of my counterpart, perceive their needs better and cater to them, esteem them.
It is about acting out of our inner attitude. The attitude « I am important and you are important, and I am looking for a solution that meets my needs and your needs » is sustainably strengthening for relationships. Anyone can choose to be « nice ». However, if this inner attitude is not present, we will always get back to our habitual patterns of behaviour in conflict situations.
Especially in long-term relationships, patterns of behaviour and imprints are developed. This is normal - nevertheless these patterns, which are also strongly influenced by education, create a subjective understanding of roles and relationship patterns. And these are entrenched and often difficult to change.
When we act out of our inner attitude, we listen above all to our body, our heart and our belly and no longer only to what our mind tells us. It is about perceiving what is important to me and what is important to my counterpart in this present moment.
Even if our situation remains challenging, if we have worries or even fears, we should be clear about the importance of dealing with each other in a sincere and appreciative manner. In this way we lay the foundation for more inner strength and resilience.
Start where you are!
Use what you have!
Do what you can!