Increase resilience, happiness

A new survey from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation during the COVID-19 Pandemic, found that almost 26% of folks said they were contending with symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Unchecked stress contributes to high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, insomnia, heartburn, indigestion, heart disease and emotional upset/mental illness, as well as turmoil in your relationships and work life. Experts agree that people who are resilient are able to self-regulate emotions.

The basic tenets of resilience training are: promoting positive emotions; learning flexible thinking; finding social support; identifying meaning in life; and cultivating good coping skills. You have it; we all do. It’s built into the brain’s network of neural responses to stress. So here’s how to tap into your inner resilience.

1. Find a stress management program to join — online if necessary. Type “hospital classes on resilience” in Google for an extensive list of programs around the country, such as the SMART program that is offered at various medical centers.

2. Practice optimism. When you hear yourself say or think, “I can’t” or “There’s no way,” consciously stop. Replace that thought with one that says, “I see how hard and scary this is, but I am going to find a way to make it better, even if just a little bit.”

3. Identify what can give your life meaning and a sense of purpose — then go for it: It may be interacting with your family and/or friends; volunteer work; athletic achievement (regular, moderate exercise dispels stress); reaching academic goals; and/or doing specific work-related activities or tasks, etc.

4. Identify coping skills that’ll help you manage or shake off stress. Meditation and breathing exercises (see sharecare.com for instructions) are time-proven ways to go with the flow.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit www.sharecare.com.