Building resiliency is the best way to cope with a personal crisis – and that’s what these tips are all about. If you’re resilient, you bounce back from problems faster. You get stronger, better, and happier than you ever were before!

These tips for coping with personal crises will help you build resiliency; they’re my response to a reader who wrote this:

“I try to put on the ‘I’m ok’ face with everyone, since I don’t want them to see me this way. I know that they would hover even more. I need my time. I don’t know if I can hear “if there is anything you need…” anymore. Yeah, there is something I need. My husband!! Gonna bring him back? I didn’t think so. I feel like I’m drowning. Help me.”

Coincidentally, I’m reading a book called What I’ve Learned So Far…And How It Can Help You: Clues for Succeeding in Crisis From 50 Graduates of the “School of Hard Knocks”.

It describes how 50 Canadians overcame adversity, tough challenges, and tragic events. They share the lessons they learned in the “School of Hard Knocks” – and their resilience and ability to cope with the worst problems imaginable will give you the strength you need to cope with your own personal or professional crisis.

Best Ways to Cope With a Personal Crisis

“Life can be hard, full of sharp corners and steep hills,” write the authors of What I’ve Learned So Far. “It’s fine to plan, but…be ready to adjust your plan because some parts of the pan will work, and some won’t. Be flexible and adaptable. Roll with the punches. If you can’t adapt, you’ll get stuck in the past.”

Adapting is about being resilient or bouncing back from crises, problems, and events that knock you down. Not just bouncing back or adapting – but getting stronger, happier, and healthier!

Here we go…

Learn how to box

“Everybody should take boxing,” says Mario Lechowski, a professional boxer who had to find a new career after too many hard knocks (not as easy as it sounds!). “The nature of boxing makes an individual more alert, more self-aware, and more self-confident. You’re stronger. You’re ready for life. You’re not afraid to walk down the street.” He rounds out the argument by pointing out the mental benefits of boxing, suggesting it makes you stronger mentally. ~ from What I’ve Learned So Far.

I’ve heard the same thing about self-defense classes or kickboxing classes for women! The empowerment, self-confidence, and energy of taking those types of classes increase your mental, emotional, and physical strength.

And, boxing will take your mind off the crisis you’re facing. Instead of obsessing or ruminating, train your mind to focus on healthier, better things.

Take 10 minutes at a time

“’There is no need to think too far ahead,’ says Evelyn Jacks, who lost her father, her mother, her younger sister, her sister-in-law, her father-in-law, and a trusted colleague – all within 10 years. ‘We found that when things were overwhelming, we would just try to get through the next hour.’”

When one day at a time is too much to think about, focus on getting through the next hour, or the next 10 minutes. Soon, you’ll find that time and Mother Nature are the best ways to cope with your personal crisis naturally, without you doing anything specific.

If you’re coping with a cancer crisis, read 5 Reasons to Stay Positive When You Have Breast Cancer.

Actively seek out help, solutions, coping tips for personal crises

“‘All you have left after a crisis is your behavior during the crisis,’ says Jim Ruta, who lost his wife, access to his two children, his high-paid executive job, and his health within a few days of each other. ‘I look back and I did the best I knew how in the best way I knew how. I survived – I pulled my way through it.’”

He chose counseling from his priest as a way to pull through his crises. His priest said that what happens is part of God’s perfect plan, and that Ruta needs to leave things for God to do.

Quick Tips for Coping With an Personal Crisis:

• Get support from people who have faced the same crisis you’re facing.
• Surround yourself with positive, strong, healthy, inspirational people.
• Be honest with your loved ones about your pain.
• Keep your “big picture” perspective.
• Find ways to get a life you love.
• Remember the law of inertia: energy begets energy. When you get knocked down, get up and get back at it.

Most crises have solutions; what matters is your ability to recognize the solution and implement it. ~ Paul Bates and Al Emid, in What I’ve Learned So Far…And How It Can Help You: Clues for Succeeding in Crisis From 50 Graduates of the “School of Hard Knocks”.

How did you cope with your last personal or professional crisis? Comments welcome below…